BREAKING: Parents in Waterville, Maine, have urgently called for the removal of George J. Mitchell‘s name from the elementary school that honors him. This demand follows shocking revelations from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Mitchell’s past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The situation escalated during a meeting on March 3, 2024, when three parents approached the Waterville Board of Education with their concerns. They cited emails between Epstein and Mitchell aides from 2010 to 2013, raising alarm over potential implications despite Mitchell’s denial of any wrongdoing.
Jennifer Johnson, a teacher at the school and former president of the parent-teacher organization, expressed her distress, stating, “While I love this school, it’s troubling that our institution is linked to someone associated with a child predator.”
Larkin Silverman, a parent and survivor of adolescent sexual exploitation, went further, advocating for the school to be renamed to simply “Waterville Elementary.” Silverman remarked, “I am deeply, personally disturbed by the ongoing revelations about Epstein. We need to act swiftly.”
Another concerned parent, Sarah Staffiere, echoed these sentiments, urging the board to consider renaming the school without delay.
School Superintendent Peter Hallen and Board Chair Erin McDermott confirmed that the policy committee would discuss the renaming proposal at their next meeting. While the committee typically meets at 3 p.m. at the district’s office, they may convene sooner given the urgency of the situation.
Mitchell, now 92, held prominent roles as U.S. senator from Maine and special envoy for Northern Ireland and Middle East peace. However, following the Epstein documents, The Queen’s University Belfast severed ties with him, opting to remove his name from their Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.
Despite no direct findings of wrongdoing against Mitchell, the university deemed it inappropriate to continue honoring him. A spokesperson for Mitchell stated that he “profoundly regrets” his previous association with Epstein and condemns his actions. Recently, he stepped down as honorary chair of the Mitchell Institute, an organization aimed at encouraging Maine youth to pursue higher education.
The growing outrage among parents and community members highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to reflect values of safety and integrity. As the board prepares to deliberate, the outcome could set a precedent for how schools respond to associations with controversial figures.
Parents and community members are urged to stay informed as this situation develops. The board meeting could be a pivotal moment in the decision-making process regarding the school’s name and the implications of its historical associations.
Stay tuned for updates as the Waterville community navigates this sensitive issue.
