The U.S. Department of Education has initiated Title IX investigations into Maine’s Department of Education and a local school district for allegedly disregarding President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. Maine is now among states like California and Minnesota facing scrutiny for reportedly permitting biological males to compete against biological females.
On Friday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) informed Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin that it is launching a directed investigation into the Maine Department of Education (MDOE). The investigation stems from claims that MDOE allows male athletes to participate in girls’ interscholastic sports and has denied female athletes access to female-only facilities, potentially violating federal antidiscrimination laws.
Additionally, OCR is investigating Maine School Administrative District #51 (MSAD #51) due to reports that Greely High School, under its jurisdiction, is allowing at least one male student to compete in girls’ categories.
Tensions escalated between Trump and Maine’s Governor Janet Mills over the issue, with Trump asserting that she must comply with his executive order or risk losing federal funding. Mills responded defiantly, stating, “We’ll see you in court,” and emphasized her commitment to adhering to state and federal laws.
In a statement, Mills declared that Maine would not be intimidated by the President’s threats. Trump reiterated his stance, vowing to withhold federal funds from Maine if the state continues to permit biological males in girls’ and women’s sports.
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized that if Maine wishes to continue receiving federal funds from the Education Department, it must comply with Title IX. He stated that the state has the option to forgo federal funding if it chooses to disregard the rights of young female athletes.
