Maine lawmakers heard testimony on seven bills seeking to restrict abortion access at the Judiciary State House on March 28. Advocates and healthcare providers believe the proposals are unlikely to pass but raise concerns about a shifting political climate. 

Certain bills, such as LD 975, which aims to ban all forms of abortion and contraceptives while also lightening charges of aggravated assault on pregnant people, gained online traction in recent weeks. To provide clarity on the impact of these bills both at a state and community level, the Maine Campus spoke with Mabel Wadsworth Center Community Engagement Manager Aspen Ruhlin regarding their experience at the hearing and following public testimony.  

According to the Judiciary Committee agenda, the seven bills heard include LD 253, which would prevent the MaineCare program from covering abortion services; LD 682, which seeks to amend certain state abortion laws; LD 886, which would regulate medication abortions; LD 887, which proposes stricter requirements for disposal of abortion drugs and mandates a provider be physically present during medical abortion procedures; LD 975, which seeks to repeal laws allowing abortion and criminalize the procedure; LD 1007, which would update informed consent laws for drug-induced abortions; and LD 1154, which would require informed consent materials to include information about perinatal hospice. 

Despite the volume of proposals, the bills face little chance of advancing, given over half the legislature supports abortion access and “would vote in opposition to anti-abortion bills,” according to Ruhlin. 

“I think one really important thing to note is that we know, under the current makeup of the Maine Legislature, that these bills don’t have a chance to pass,” said Ruhlin. “It’s still important that we have folks testify against them — particularly organizations and folks who, you know, that’s their area of focus. Places like Mabel Wadsworth Center and Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood that provide abortion care.”

In an opposing testimony statement delivered at the bill hearings, Ruhlin specifically focused on the concept of “abortion reversals” proposed in several of the bills. 

“We know that medication abortion is safe, whether obtained in a clinic, via telehealth or online. In fact, we know that medication abortion is safer than Tylenol. We know that abortion reversal is not only not possible, but that the claim from anti-abortion extremists that progesterone can be used to reverse the effects of mifepristone before a patient takes misoprostol may cause hemorrhaging,” said Ruhlin, citing 2020 peer-reviewed study that proves the efficacy and safety of pill-based abortion procedures. 

Ruhlin elaborated on the issue during the interview, sharing that despite extensive research indicating the safety of medication abortion procedures, anti-abortion advocates continue to promote the myth that the procedure can be reversed.

“So, abortion reversal is a myth perpetuated by anti-abortion extremists. What they argue is that if a patient is having a medication abortion done — with a medication abortion you take two different medications, typically — you take mifepristone, you wait several hours, and then you take the misoprostol,” said Ruhlin. “The anti-abortion extremists argue that if you give that person a huge dose of progesterone, it will reverse the effects of the mifepristone and that person will not have an abortion. The only peer-reviewed study that was even attempted to prove this had to be paused pretty early on because the patients who were taking part in the study were hemorrhaging.”

When asked what the atmosphere at the public hearing and testimony session was like, Ruhlin first detailed the typical progression of hearings at the State House: sponsors and cosponsors speak without a time limit, then supporters, opponents and those neither for or against the bill are allotted two hours each to share testimony. 

“They only had people who signed up to testify on the floor when that testimony was happening. I can’t say for sure, but from what I saw for presence at the State House yesterday, it looks like we had a lot more people who showed up in opposition to these bills than in support of them. Which is not particularly surprising,” said Ruhlin. “We know from research that well over half of Mainers support people having abortion access.”

While the number of those present for testimony was limited, an “impromptu rally” was held out of the State House ahead of the hearings, according to Ruhlin. The conversation then shifted to ways concerned students at the University of Maine can be proactive and help curb the trend of anti-abortion legislation in Maine. 

“First, connect with abortion advocacy organizations if that’s a thing that is your area of interest. I know Mabel’s has a volunteer program called Abortion Defenders. We’re in the UMaine area, so that can be a good place to start” said Ruhlin.

Information about the Abortion Defenders volunteer group is available on Mabel Wadsworth’s website. Ruhlin continued by acknowledging the role open conversations and reframing dialogue around abortion can have in ensuring future safe access to reproductive care in Maine. 

“I think also just recognizing abortion as very normal, needed health care and talking about it as such. You know, working to destigmatize it. There’s been an attitude among a lot of pro-choice people for a really long time of viewing abortion as a ‘necessary evil,’ when in reality abortion is a good thing. Abortion care is a positive to have available to people, just like any type of health care that anyone might need is a positive to have available. This is not a thing to mourn. It is a thing for people to rejoice in — to have autonomy over their body,” said Ruhlin. 

Ruhlin closed by emphasizing how recent changes in federal policy, including executive orders introduced by the Trump Administration targeting transgender rights, are connected to issues of bodily autonomy and community support.

“I think it’s important we recognize the interconnectedness of all sexual and reproductive health care. I’ve mentioned the importance of, ‘Hey, contact your legislator about the importance of not throwing trans kids under the bus’ — and people ask what that has to do with abortion — but it’s because all people deserve to have that autonomy,” said Ruhlin.

The University of Maine paused new financial offers to graduate students for the 2025-26 academic year on March 27, and is facing criticism from graduate workers who feel the decision amounts to a hiring freeze and increases pressure on a workforce that has been negotiating a union contract for more than 500 days. The pause affects new offers of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships which provide stipends, tuition waivers and health benefits to hundreds of graduate students in exchange for teaching, research or other work. 

According to a press release announcing the change, “UMaine’s decision to delay graduate student financial offers comes as the federal government has slowed making new awards and some of the flagship’s existing grants and contracts are being paused as the new [Trump] Administration reviews them for alignment with its priorities.” 

“The federal funding uncertainty was compounded last week when the Legislature passed a so-called continuing services state budget that flat-funds the University of Maine System in the upcoming biennium, despite Governor Mills’ original FY26-27 proposal providing increases to mitigate the impact of compensation costs and other inflationary pressures on students at Maine’s public universities,” the press release continued. 

The university began notifying graduate students of the pause in a letter sent by email the same day. In the letter, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Kody Varahramyan informed students that existing financial aid packages for currently-enrolled graduate students would be maintained for the 2025-26 academic year contingent upon available funds. 

“After careful review and consideration, the University of Maine intends to honor all existing funding packages that have been offered to currently enrolled graduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year, contingent upon the availability of funds. New offers of financial support to prospective students have been paused in order to help preserve funding for current students,” wrote Varahramyan. 

Varahramyan’s letter also acknowledged the financial uncertainty facing graduate students. 

“We understand the uncertainty that is resulting from recent federal actions. Unfortunately, we expect to continue operating in a shifting financial climate over the coming months. We will provide additional information about funding packages beyond the 2025-2026 academic year as soon as we are able,” wrote Varahramyan. 

The university will continue to make offers of admission to graduate programs but will not extend new assistantship or fellowship offers until it has a clearer picture of available funding. The press release noted that graduate enrollment in the University of Maine System is at an all-time high with 6,999 students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, more than half through UMaine. This academic year, UMaine enrolled 3,261 graduate students with 806 appointed to paid assistantships.

Warren confirmed by email that university officials are seeking ways to address the funding shortfall. 

“We are exploring all options, including alternative funding to the extent it may be available, to support these student education and research opportunities,” wrote Warren. 

Graduate workers believe that the decision amounts to a hiring freeze and adds pressure to an already-strained workforce. In an interview with the Maine Campus, Pete Howe of the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union (UMGWU-UAW) criticized the funding pause and connected it to the union’s ongoing contract negotiations.

“While we are glad to hear that UMS is committed to maintaining funding for current graduate workers, this decision amounts to a hiring freeze for prospective graduate workers, which endangers UMaine’s status as a ‘Research 1’ (R1) university. The University cannot retain its R1 status without the vital research that graduate research assistants perform,” said Howe. “Across the System, this freeze endangers the teaching mission of the Universities as graduate teaching assistants are often the closest contact for undergraduate students.”

Howe also mentioned that the decision reflects the vulnerability of graduate workers within the university system. 

“Our union — UMGWU-UAW, which represents all graduate workers across the University of Maine System – is fighting for improved working conditions for all graduate workers because the quality of our working conditions drives the future of the Universities of Maine as a hub of innovation, research and learning in the state. We deserve protections from unilateral actions by the System administration that put the burdens of funding decisions on the lowest paid and most vulnerable members of the University community,” said Howe. 

Howe ended his message by re-emphasizing that UMGWU-UAW has been in contract negotiations with the university system for more than 500 days. 

“We have been bargaining with the System administration for 500 days as of March 28, 2025, which is too long. This announcement exemplifies why winning a strong union contract NOW is so important,” said Kenny. 

The university plans to provide an update to prospective and current graduate students in early April before the April 15 decision day for graduate programs. 

2/25:

At 9 a.m., a burglary complaint was called in from Hannibal Hamlin Hall. The hall currently sits vacant, but a University of Maine Police Department (UMPD) officer noticed damage and items missing from within the hall while on patrol. UMPD shared that numerous burglary complaints have been called in from the vacant hall over the past several months. 

Around 3 p.m., a theft complaint was reported from the eat>NOW autonomous store at Wells Central Dining. The caller shared that students have been repeatedly taking items without scanning their UMaine ID or debit card by going over the self-pay barriers into the store. A particular theft triggered this call and UMPD was able to locate the student. The student returned the unused stolen merchandise to the store. 

2/26:

At 2:30 p.m.,  a suspicious complaint came in from Hitchner Hall after someone observed a student sleeping in their vehicle. UMPD made contact with the student and determined they were just leaning back in their seat, eating lunch and listening to music before class. The complaint was marked resolved. 

At 3 p.m., a theft complaint was filed from Kennebec Hall after a student reported their unsecured bike missing from the rack outside. There is currently no suspect due to a lack of camera footage, and the bike has not been found yet. 

2/27:

At 5 a.m., a criminal mischief complaint was called in from Neville Hall after a student reported several chalk graffiti markings on the walls of the building. UMPD shared that many of the markings were political drawings, with one reading “Elon Musk: Jail.” The markings were removed and the complaint was marked as resolved. 

2/28:

Around 6 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from Somerset Hall. A student shared that exit signs had been knocked down. UMPD responded and found that on top of knocked down exit signs, tiles had been damaged. There was also exposed wiring in several bathrooms. UMPD was able to locate the student that caused the damage and they were referred to conduct. The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) was then called to begin repairs to the hall. 

At 10 a.m., a “wanted-out” request was called in from Stevens Hall to remove a student studying so a class could begin. UMPD shared that a student in the classroom had headphones on, was reading and didn’t realize a class had started in the room. Several students tried to communicate that the class had started but the student did not move. By the time UMPD arrived to assist, the student had left the classroom. 

3/1: 

At 8:30 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from the New Balance Recreation Center following suspected intentional vehicle damage. A student’s windshield, windows and tail lights were extremely damaged. UMPD shared that they have an idea of who the suspect is but the investigation is still ongoing. There is no information available as to why this particular student’s vehicle was targeted. 

At 6 p.m., an alcohol offense occurred at Somerset Hall after a male student was seen with a can of beer in a hallway. UMPD located the student and escorted him to the bathroom to empty the beer can. The student was cooperative and was then referred to conduct. 

At 11 p.m., criminal mischief was called in from Androscoggin Hall. A student shared that a hand sanitizer station had been damaged and taken off the wall in a bathroom. Due to a lack of camera footage there are no suspects at this time. UMPD called OFM to reinstall the dispenser. 

3/2:

Around 4 a.m., an alcohol offense occurred at Somerset Hall. Several noise complaints came in about loud noise emanating from a particular room. UMPD responded by making contact with the students in the dormitory. The student answered the door with a beer can in his hand and a case of beer could be seen sitting inside. The student was then escorted to the bathroom to empty the beer and reported to conduct. 

3/3:

At 1 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from the Memorial Gym after a student shared there was graffiti on the side of the building that said “F*ck Trump.” There are no suspects due to a lack of camera footage and OFM was called to remove the markings. 

3/4:

At midnight, an information complaint came in after someone submitted the message “Call 911” to a chatbot on the UMaine admissions page. UMPD shared they are automatically notified when certain keywords are entered into the chat, such as “active shooter” or “suicide.” Due to a lack of identifying information, UMPD was unable to pinpoint who or where the message came from, so the matter was marked as resolved. 

3/5:

At 2 p.m., criminal mischief was called in from the Advanced Structures & Composites Center. A student reported graffiti on the wall that read, “F*ck Musk.” There are no suspects due to a lack of camera footage and OFM was called to remove the markings. 

3/6: 

At midnight, disorderly conduct occurred at Androscoggin Hall. Officers responded to a noise complaint coming from a particular room that had been reported four times in the past several weeks. Due to repeated offenses, UMPD issued the occupants of the room a notice for disorderly conduct. Officers also noted alcohol was found on scene, so a referral to conduct was submitted as well.

2/25:

At 9 a.m., a burglary complaint was called in from Hannibal Hamlin Hall. The hall currently sits vacant, but a University of Maine Police Department (UMPD) officer noticed damage and items missing from within the hall while on patrol. UMPD shared that numerous burglary complaints have been called in from the vacant hall over the past several months. 

Around 3 p.m., a theft complaint was reported from the eat>NOW autonomous store at Wells Central Dining. The caller shared that students have been repeatedly taking items without scanning their UMaine ID or debit card by going over the self-pay barriers into the store. A particular theft triggered this call and UMPD was able to locate the student. The student returned the unused stolen merchandise to the store. 

2/26:

At 2:30 p.m.,  a suspicious complaint came in from Hitchner Hall after someone observed a student sleeping in their vehicle. UMPD made contact with the student and determined they were just leaning back in their seat, eating lunch and listening to music before class. The complaint was marked resolved. 

At 3 p.m., a theft complaint was filed from Kennebec Hall after a student reported their unsecured bike missing from the rack outside. There is currently no suspect due to a lack of camera footage, and the bike has not been found yet. 

2/27:

At 5 a.m., a criminal mischief complaint was called in from Neville Hall after a student reported several chalk graffiti markings on the walls of the building. UMPD shared that many of the markings were political drawings, with one reading “Elon Musk: Jail.” The markings were removed and the complaint was marked as resolved. 

2/28:

Around 6 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from Somerset Hall. A student shared that exit signs had been knocked down. UMPD responded and found that on top of knocked down exit signs, tiles had been damaged. There was also exposed wiring in several bathrooms. UMPD was able to locate the student that caused the damage and they were referred to conduct. The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) was then called to begin repairs to the hall. 

At 10 a.m., a “wanted-out” request was called in from Stevens Hall to remove a student studying so a class could begin. UMPD shared that a student in the classroom had headphones on, was reading and didn’t realize a class had started in the room. Several students tried to communicate that the class had started but the student did not move. By the time UMPD arrived to assist, the student had left the classroom. 

3/1: 

At 8:30 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from the New Balance Recreation Center following suspected intentional vehicle damage. A student’s windshield, windows and tail lights were extremely damaged. UMPD shared that they have an idea of who the suspect is but the investigation is still ongoing. There is no information available as to why this particular student’s vehicle was targeted. 

At 6 p.m., an alcohol offense occurred at Somerset Hall after a male student was seen with a can of beer in a hallway. UMPD located the student and escorted him to the bathroom to empty the beer can. The student was cooperative and was then referred to conduct. 

At 11 p.m., criminal mischief was called in from Androscoggin Hall. A student shared that a hand sanitizer station had been damaged and taken off the wall in a bathroom. Due to a lack of camera footage there are no suspects at this time. UMPD called OFM to reinstall the dispenser. 

3/2:

Around 4 a.m., an alcohol offense occurred at Somerset Hall. Several noise complaints came in about loud noise emanating from a particular room. UMPD responded by making contact with the students in the dormitory. The student answered the door with a beer can in his hand and a case of beer could be seen sitting inside. The student was then escorted to the bathroom to empty the beer and reported to conduct. 

3/3:

At 1 a.m., criminal mischief was reported from the Memorial Gym after a student shared there was graffiti on the side of the building that said “F*ck Trump.” There are no suspects due to a lack of camera footage and OFM was called to remove the markings. 

3/4:

At midnight, an information complaint came in after someone submitted the message “Call 911” to a chatbot on the UMaine admissions page. UMPD shared they are automatically notified when certain keywords are entered into the chat, such as “active shooter” or “suicide.” Due to a lack of identifying information, UMPD was unable to pinpoint who or where the message came from, so the matter was marked as resolved. 

3/5:

At 2 p.m., criminal mischief was called in from the Advanced Structures & Composites Center. A student reported graffiti on the wall that read, “F*ck Musk.” There are no suspects due to a lack of camera footage and OFM was called to remove the markings. 

3/6: 

At midnight, disorderly conduct occurred at Androscoggin Hall. Officers responded to a noise complaint coming from a particular room that had been reported four times in the past several weeks. Due to repeated offenses, UMPD issued the occupants of the room a notice for disorderly conduct. Officers also noted alcohol was found on scene, so a referral to conduct was submitted as well.

On Presidents’ Day, over 200 sign-adorned people gathered in front of the Federal Building in Bangor as part of the nationwide No Kings National Day of Protest, organized locally by Indivisible Bangor, a grassroots volunteer group focused on ensuring equal protection and access under the law. Protesters voiced their concerns about President Trump’s executive orders, the actions of Elon Musk and the inaction of Maine Sen. Susan Collins. The Maine Campus spoke with Indivisible Bangor organizer Melissa Berky to understand the motivations behind protests that occurred across the state in Bangor, Augusta, Bucksport and Ellsworth.

Indivisible Bangor, in collaboration with a statewide and national coalition of activists, including 50501 National No Kings organizers, Solidarity Bucksport and Ellsworth community members, participated in a nationwide protest by organizing gatherings across four major Maine cities. Protesters assembled in Bangor at the Federal Building, in Augusta at the State House, in Bucksport on the Verona Bridge and in Ellsworth at City Hall.

The 50501 movement organized similar protests across the U.S., named for its goal of holding 50 protests across 50 states to condemn what they see as anti-democratic and illegal moves by the Trump Administration. Several signs held by protesters echoed sentiments of the movement.

Many signs expressed disapproval of Sen. Susan Collins, with one reading, “Collins caves again!” and another asking, “For how little did you sell us out, Susan?” Others focused more directly on the Trump administration’s perceived abuse of executive power, displaying messages like “No Dictators” and “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” Those interested in seeing more signs can view our photo story.

Speakers were prepared to address news outlets rather than deliver speeches to a large crowd, given cold and windy conditions. One speech provided that was to be read by Indivisible Bangor on behalf of the Wabanaki Alliance notes the impact of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) directive to fire federal workers on Tribal Nations in Maine.

“We have been informed that agencies serving Tribal Nations are not exempt from the OPM directive to fire federal workers — with several thousand employees at agencies like the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education and DOJ Office of Tribal Justice slated to by terminated…We are urging member Tribal Nations and Allies to call on Members of Congress and Trump political employees and tell them to immediately exempt all federal positions serving Indian Country from any workforce reductions,” reads an excerpt from the speech.

During the protest, the Maine Campus spoke with Indivisible Bangor organizer Melissa Berky to discuss the reasons behind 50501 gatherings across the nation.

“Our protesting is three-pronged. We’re here to demonstrate against Trump, who is not our president. He has done many illegal things and acts, he is overstepping the bounds of his executive power. He will never go down in history like our great forefathers,” said Berky. “Second-pronged, we’re here to demonstrate against Musk. Elon Musk is unelected, [and] unaccountable.”

After explaining the third reason for protest revolves around “the weakening of Congress as represented by Senator Collins,” Berky was asked if there’s any information she’d like to share with the University of Maine community. 

“You can find us at Indivisble.org. Join today, stand up, make sure that you call your senators and representatives and be aware of what’s going on,” said Berky.

University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy issued an electronic letter on Jan. 29 to all students and faculty, addressing the potential impact of new federal directives on immigration enforcement policies and resulting actions from agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These changes come during increased reports of ICE sightings across the state and have prompted responses from some Maine school districts and organizations such as the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and Project Relief. 

“These are uncertain times for all of us as we learn more about these executive actions and their ramifications,” Ferrini-Mundy stated in the campus-wide letter. 

While the email from the Office of the President referenced no specific administrative actions, on Jan. 21, acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Benjamin Huffman issued two directives “essential to ending the invasion of the U.S. southern border and [to] empower law enforcement to protect Americans.” These directives serve to essentially rescind Biden-era guidelines that kept immigration enforcement from “sensitive” areas, such as schools and churches.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws… Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” reads the statement from DHS. 

Additionally, on Jan. 20, the Trump administration issued eight new executive orders pertaining to immigration policies, ranging from a call for “immediate removal of those in the United States without legal status” to denying citizenship to certain U.S.-born children whose parents are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, a right historically protected by the 14th Amendment. 

According to a recent article by the Maine Morning Star, in response, some of Maine’s largest school districts, such as Lewiston and Brunswick, “sent letters home addressing the rights of students in the event ICE shows up at school.”

Additionally, following a debunked rumor that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were spotted in downtown Brunswick, The Bowdoin Orient reported on Feb. 7 that Bowdoin College’s Office of Safety and Security issued a statement on Feb. 5 “advising students on interacting with ICE agents and other law enforcement personnel.”

In anticipation of ICE’s increased presence, certain organizations such as Project Relief Maine, an immigrant-led racial justice and mutual aid group, have been actively posting reports of alleged ICE sightings and increased anti-immigrant sentiments throughout the state of Maine. 

“We’re receiving numerous tips about ICE and are doing everything we can to protect the community. We are working behind the scenes. People are also reaching out for personal support,” said Project Relief in a Jan. 30 Instagram post. 

The Maine Morning Star also reported that the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition has been advising families to “have their documents ready, including passports or any other identification” and to “set up power of attorneys, so that they have plans for how to transfer guardianship should anything happen to them.” 

In the letter addressed to the UMaine community, Ferrini-Mundy shared that UMaine must maintain its commitment to compliance with federal laws while still protecting the rights and privacy of its community members, stating that “As a public university, we are committed to following all applicable laws and regulations…[but] also recognize that these changes may have implications for some members of the UMaine and UMaine Machias communities.”

As a public institution, UMaine’s campuses are generally open to the public and must comply with policies established by DHS and other federal agencies. However, in her letter, Ferrini-Mundy clarified that restricted-access areas, such as residence halls and research labs, will remain off-limits to non-university law enforcement officials unless they present a warrant or are accompanied by authorized personnel. 

Ferrini-Mundy also shared that student privacy is safeguarded under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which limits the release of personal student information. According to the letter, directory information may only be released under specific circumstances — such as a subpoena for law enforcement purposes. Students concerned about their privacy rights can opt out of directory information by following instructions on the Office of Student Records website. 

The letter continued by providing guidance on how to respond if contacted by immigration officials on campus. Ferrini-Mundy shared that the UMaine Police Department’s (UMPD) Chief William Flagg will serve as the liaison for outside law enforcement and as a point of contact for advice, support, and help accessing available resources. If contacted, community members are encouraged to contact UMPD through the Black Bear Safe campus app or by calling 207-581-4040. 

President Ferrini-Mundy closed the letter by stating that UMaine’s leadership remains committed to fostering a compassionate campus environment, saying that the community should work to “maintain a university environment that ensures a positive student experience and productive conditions for our employees and staff.” 

For more information on how to reduce risk and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated, students can visit ACLU’s Immigrant Rights’ page. Students with immigration-related concerns can also access resources such as the National Immigrant Justice Center and help at UMaine’s Student Life office (um.studentlife@maine.edu).

1/21:

At 10 a.m., a theft complaint was filed from the Hilltop Dining hall after an employee reported a coffee espresso machine missing from the cafeteria. With no surveillance footage available, the University of Maine Police Department (UMPD) could not determine a suspect of the theft. 

At 8 p.m., a drug complaint was filed anonymously through Campus Eyes. A student at Androscoggin Hall shared that they smelled marijuana originating from a particular room. UMPD made contact with residents of the room, who allowed officers to search the space. Despite smelling a strong odor, no drugs were found in the room. A report was completed and the students were referred to conduct.

1/23:

At 11 p.m., a fire alarm was activated at Androscoggin Hall. After responding to the scene and investigating, UMPD suspects the activation was intentional and resulted from mischievous student conduct. However, the investigation is still in its preliminary stages and there are no suspects. 

1/24: 

At 11 p.m., a student requested a welfare check through the Black Bear Safe app. UMPD made contact with the student, who shared that nothing was wrong and that they accidentally requested assistance by leaving their phone open in their school bag. The report was marked resolved. 

1/25:

At 2 p.m., a parent called UMPD requesting a welfare check for their son, who failed to meet his parents at a predetermined location. Officers made contact with the student at his dorm room and communicated that he should call his parents. The student agreed to call, and the matter was marked resolved. 

Around 9 p.m., an alcohol offense was filed from Cumberland Hall after officers responded to complaints of loud noise coming from a room. Officers discovered several intoxicated students in the room. After identifying the students, UMPD determined that some were of legal drinking age, but others were not. A report was completed and the students were referred to conduct.

1/26:

At midnight, an intoxication report was filed from Oxford Hall after UMPD officers found a male student disoriented and visibly inebriated near the elevators. UMPD responded by requesting the help of the University Volunteer Ambulance Corps (UVAC), the on campus emergency medical service for students at UMaine. UVAC assessed the situation and determined the student did not need to be transported for treatment. Since the student was under 21, a report was completed and he was referred to conduct.

At 10 p.m., a criminal mischief report was filed from Androscoggin Hall after janitorial staff found broken ceiling tiles on the hall’s second floor. While responding officers assessed that the damage to the ceiling appeared to be intentional, no suspects have been determined due to a lack of surveillance footage. 

1/27: 

Around 9 p.m., a drug complaint was filed from Oxford Hall after a student reported the odor of marijuana from one of the dorm rooms. After making contact with the room, UMPD determined that two male students had been smoking and the students admitted to it when questioned. The students allowed officers to search their room, and a small amount of marijuana was confiscated. A report was completed and the students were referred to conduct.

The University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees (BoT) met on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Wells Conference Center on campus. The 16-member board, appointed by the Governor and approved by the Maine State Legislature, oversees UMS academic programs, faculty tenure, tuition and budgets. The public comment portion began at 9:45 a.m. and concluded around 11:30 a.m., with 21 speakers total. Eighteen of them addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while others raised concerns about student worker compensation and the allocation of funding within the UMS five-year capital plan.

Before public commentary commenced, BoT Chair Trish Riley welcomed attendees and took time to mention some positive achievements before calling for the first speaker of the morning, noting record enrollment and retention numbers from UMS. 

“There’s so much good going on in this University system that we just want to take a minute to congratulate everyone for the enrollment numbers, and the very great strides in retention,” said Riley. 

Riley continued by assuring attendees that the Board received and read materials from various individuals providing public commentary. The theme of commentary centered around the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response, Riley pre-empted the public commentary session with a reminder. 

“We provided at that time [Spring 2024], a full listing of the University of Maine System’s investments in Israel in response to those inquiries…It was last spring and I know things change, but that is available and we’re more than happy to share it again,” said Riley. 

Given the extent of commentary about Gaza, Riley prioritized speakers addressing other issues to group topics together. The first was Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) James Cook, who presented findings on UMA student worker pay. His report replicated a study conducted in July 2022 by UMaine Professor of Political Science Rob Glover and Alumnus Tamra Benson.

Cook’s data was gathered from surveys distributed to all UMA student employees in the spring of 2023.

“A large majority of the students there indicated agreement that they enjoy their job at the University of Maine at Augusta. But less than half indicated satisfaction with the level of pay they received working for UMA. 61% reported being paid minimum wage, and no student reported being paid more than $15.99 an hour. Of student workers with children, all but one reported being paid minimum wage,” said Cook. 

Cook emphasized that student employees typically are older and do not have the same support systems as the typical college student, meaning that costs associated with supporting oneself can interfere with academic success. 

“Most student workers are older than the traditional 18-21 year old age range for college students. Less than a third live with their parents, and less than a third report that someone else pays for their housing,” said Cook. 

Another key comment came from fourth-year political science student Meredyth Waters, who shared her thoughts on the balance of funding allocations within the UMS five-year capital plan, which was released in late November 2024. In particular, Waters juxtaposed the lack of projects dedicated to liberal arts with STEM initiatives, which receive a significant amount of funding. 

“All of the funding projects were very much aligned with STEM, and research, and stuff that I think will hurt the liberal arts programs at this university…If you go into Stevens Hall, you’re going to find the paint is falling off the walls, right? And still, yet, we are making sure that we are preparing ‘factories of the future’ and building brand new engineering buildings that are shiny and beautiful,” said Waters. “But we are leaving out a great portion of the student population when we are doing that.”

Waters acknowledged that many buildings are donor-funded and “kind of free,” but also suggested that deferred maintenance issues will ultimately lead to liberal arts students bearing the brunt of costs, given they are provided no direct value from these buildings development.

“In 40 years, we’re gonna have the same deferred maintenance problems that we do now with those buildings. And liberal arts students are going to be paying the deferred maintenance on those buildings in 40 years even though they’re free now,” said Waters. “Buildings that they don’t step foot in, buildings that don’t represent them, buildings they don’t learn in.”

The meeting ended with extensive discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which many referred to as an ongoing genocide and apartheid state. They urged the Board to take immediate action by divesting from companies partnered with Israel and issuing a public statement on the conflict, similar to the Board’s stance during South African apartheid. Secondary education graduate student Ashley Hebert compared the situations in her commentary to the Board. 

“I feel that the administration here has made significant progress with social issues including divestment from the fossil fuel industry. I know that we have the capacity to oppose these violations of humanitarian law as a learning community. We have passed divestment measures before, including in response to the apartheid system in South Africa,” said Hebert. “We are currently witnessing another apartheid state, and it is carrying out indiscriminate violence against civilians, the majority of which were women and children.”

Hebert continued by echoing other speakers’ concerns about scholasticide, which the organization Scholars Against the War on Palestine has defined as the systematic destruction of educational institutions and the targeting of educators and students, particularly in conflict zones.

“According to U.N. experts, as of this April, over 80% of schools have been damaged or destroyed by the Israeli assault on Gaza, with more than 5,479 students, 261 teachers and 95 university professors killed and many thousands more injured. As a future teacher and student here, it is important to see that due to the ongoing siege, the 2024 class of Gaza was unable to graduate and it is very likely that the class of 2025 will not be able to graduate either,” said Hebert. 

Others emphasized the importance of divestment, including senior computer science student Lucas Bent, who illuminated future job security concerns given the current system–wide stance. 

“As a senior in computer science, I’m of course looking for opportunities to work and further my career after graduation. But, as I wandered around the engineering and computing job fair this year, I felt lost. I could never work for any of those companies, nor would many of my peers. We could never knowingly work for a company which profits off of providing weapons and technology to a war machine committing human atrocities as we speak,” said Bent. 

The conversation presented three primary demands for the UMS BoT moving forward. Speakers requested the Board maintain transparency by continuing to publicly disclose all investments, fully divest from Israel-based companies and those doing business with or in Israel and end partnerships with companies supplying weapons and technology used against Palestinians in Gaza.

The UMS BoT will meet again on Jan.12, 2025 at the University of Southern Maine. Those interested in watching public commentary and meeting proceedings can view all board meetings through the UMS BoT Youtube channel.