News

School Board Member Resigns After Parents Deem Posts Racist

School Board Member Resigns After Parents Deem Posts Racist

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


SOUTH PARIS, Maine (AP)   A Maine school board member whose social media posts targeted Muslims and black people has resigned.

Harrison resident Robert Celeste on Monday denied his resignation last week had anything to do with critics of such posts who have called him racist and hateful. Celeste defended his defense of the white race to news outlets and told the Bangor Daily News that racism is anyone who disagrees with Islam.

Parents called for Celeste’s ouster at a recent school board meeting. They cited posts such as one addressed to Muslims that claimed the U.S. has the world’s highest concentration of armed Christians.

Celeste often criticized the teaching of evolution in his seat on a western Maine school board that covers eight communities. He was elected in an uncontested race in 2016.

Latest Headlines

8 hours ago in Local

Mt. Desert Island officials raise alarm over potential impact of government shutdown on local economy

If Congress can't come to an agreement over the budget by the end of Tuesday, at least a partial shutdown will occur that'll limit operations by federal agencies like the National Park Service, potentially shutting down Acadia National Park.

22 hours ago in Local

Pair of men involved in Saco drive-by shooting plead guilty

Two Massachusetts men are pleading guilty to several charges in a drive-by shooting in Saco last year

22 hours ago in Local

Standoff at Peru home ends with death of suspect

A man accused of causing a standoff with police in the town of Peru was found dead.

1 day ago in Local

Long Running Pie Contest Draws Big Numbers at Cumberland Fair

All proceeds from the Pie Contest are going to benefit the Cumberland Food Pantry.

1 day ago in Local

Collins Lone Republican to Criticize Job Cut Threat During Gov. Shutdown

A memo this week instructs agencies to use the shutdown as an opportunity to reduce their work forces.