FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 10/18/19

Jonathan Schomaker of Greene is a student at Leavitt High School in Turner. Recently, the Maine Principal’s Association (MPA) denied Jonathan the right to compete fairly in the regional and state cross country competitions because he competes in a wheelchair.

Recently, his parents contacted Assistant Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin) who agrees completely with the Schomaker’s assessment of how their son is being treated by the MPA.

The MPA has offered Jonathan two options for competing in this weekend’s regional meet and next weekend’s state meet. Both of these clearly single him out and discriminate against him due to his disability.

Timberlake will soon present a bill to the legislature, directed at the MPA, that prohibits Maine schools from participating in any organization that discriminates against students. The measure already has bipartisan support.

Senator Timberlake: “If there’s a will there’s a way and the MPA simply lacks the will. I am amazed that in 2019, we are still fighting segregation in our schools.”

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