A Maine father was cut off and removed from a school board meeting after speaking out against boys competing in girls’ sports. Nick Blanchard wore his MAGA hat and a T-shirt targeting Democratic Governor Janet Mills as he addressed the Augusta Board of Education. He praised most board members for voting to follow Trump-era Title IX rules that ban males from female teams but slammed one member who opposed the move.
Board Chair Martha Witham immediately silenced Blanchard, claiming his criticism broke meeting rules. “Negative comments will not be allowed,” she declared. Blanchard tried shifting to discuss his petition to remove Principal Kim Liscomb, who leads a group pushing transgender athlete inclusion. Witham again interrupted, accusing him of “defamatory remarks” without explaining why.
Blanchard fired back, comparing the suppression to “Communist China” as he left the podium. His petition argues that allowing biological males in girls’ sports destroys fair competition and ignores parent concerns. Over 1,000 locals signed it, showing growing pushback against policies conservatives call unfair and dangerous.
The clash highlights Maine’s role as a battleground over gender issues in schools. Federal agencies recently froze education funding because the state refuses to ban males from female teams. Friday’s deadline for compliance passed without action, risking millions in lost aid. Critics say radical ideology trumps common sense, putting girls’ safety and opportunities at risk.
Parents like Blanchard argue schools ignore their rights to protect woke agendas. They see board leaders as elitist bullies shutting down dissent. “They don’t care what parents think,” one local said. “It’s all about pushing politics on our kids.”
Conservatives nationwide praise Blanchard’s stand, framing it as a fight for free speech and traditional values. Liberals call it bigotry disguised as concern. The incident went viral, with many comparing school officials to authoritarian regimes that silence opposition.
Some worry the funding battle will hurt students but blame state leaders for choosing ideology over kids. “Mills and her allies would rather lose money than admit they’re wrong,” a parent group stated. “Our daughters deserve better than being forced to compete against boys.”
The showdown reflects a broader culture war, with everyday Americans pushing back against government overreach. As Blanchard’s red-clad supporters walked out, they signaled a growing movement to reclaim schools from activists. The message is clear: parents won’t back down without a fight.
