The Trump administration’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a notice of violation against the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) for contravening federal Title IX regulations.
The conflict centers on the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), the governing body for youth sports in the state, which has chosen to follow the Maine Human Rights Act regarding gender identity, thereby allowing male athletes to compete in female sports categories.
The OCR highlighted two specific instances where male athletes participated in female sports events:
- On February 17, 2025, a male athlete from Greely High School competed in a women’s high school track meet.
- On February 18-19, 2025, a male athlete from Maine Coast Waldorf School participated in a women’s high school ski event.
In response, the OCR determined that the MDOE is in violation of federal law under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Attorney General Pam Bondi previously warned Maine about the necessity of complying with federal law banning males from female sports. She emphasized that the Department of Justice would defend women’s rights and utilize all legal options to ensure state compliance with federal law and President Trump’s Executive Order protecting women’s sports.
This development follows a public confrontation at the White House between President Trump and Governor Mills. During the exchange, President Trump asserted that non-compliance would result in the cessation of federal funding to Maine, while Governor Mills maintained her position, indicating a potential legal battle ahead.
The situation underscores the ongoing national debate over gender identity policies in sports and the balance between state and federal regulations.
Here is the full letter: pic.twitter.com/eEzuyR6T23
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) March 6, 2025