A federal investigation has found Maine in violation of Title IX for allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, throwing $700,000 in federal funding into jeopardy. The clash between President Trump and Democratic Governor Janet Mills intensifies as federal standards collide with state policies that prioritize gender identity over biological sex in athletics.
At a glance:
- Maine’s Department of Education officially charged with Title IX violation for allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports
- Federal investigation determined male participation in female sports violates female athletes’ rights
- State risks losing approximately $700,000 in federal funding due to non-compliance
- Governor Janet Mills criticized the investigation as “politically directed” and “predetermined”
- The controversy centers around transgender athletes competing in girls’ events, including a state pole vault championship
Federal Investigation Finds Maine Violated Women’s Rights
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially notified Maine Governor Janet Mills that the state’s education department violated Title IX by permitting transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The federal investigation, which began on February 21, concluded that Maine’s policies undermine protections for female athletes, putting the state at risk of losing crucial federal funding.
According to the DHHS letter sent on February 25, Maine’s policy “violates the landmark equal opportunity law by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s athletic events.” The investigation specifically cited incidents at Greely High School and Maine Coast Waldorf where biological males competed in women’s sports, directly impacting opportunities for female athletes.
This controversy follows a public exchange between President Trump and Governor Mills over transgender participation in women’s sports. The Maine Principals’ Association currently allows transgender students to compete based on their self-described gender identity rather than their biological sex, creating a direct conflict with federal interpretations of Title IX protections.
🚨‼️🚨‼️Asking Grok non biased questions regarding Maine’s budget and consequences of Not following President Trump’s EO on Transgender Athletes. https://t.co/vLJf3QYJj1
— JimmyP (@PalmersCove) February 22, 2025
State Officials Pushback Against Federal Findings
Governor Mills has strongly criticized the investigation, suggesting political motivations behind the findings. “I imagine that the outcome of this politically directed investigation is all but predetermined,” Mills stated, indicating she plans to work with the State Attorney General to defend Maine’s policies in court.
The DHHS letter explicitly stated that Maine’s provisions for individuals who assert a gender identity different from their biological sex “constitutes discrimination on the basis of gender identity, against students who identify as their sex.” This interpretation directly contradicts Maine’s Human Rights Act, which includes protections based on gender identity in educational settings.
Maine’s Department of Education has advised schools to follow state law rather than federal Executive Orders regarding transgender athletes. Superintendent Jeff Porter clarified that federal funding issues remain a state responsibility, not a burden on local districts, as the controversy continues to unfold across Maine’s educational system.
Funding at Stake as Compliance Deadline Looms
The Maine Department of Education now faces the potential loss of significant federal funds in 2025 if it fails to address the violations. Federal officials have given the state a deadline to achieve compliance with Title IX as interpreted under the Trump administration, which defines sex-based protections according to biological sex.
If Maine fails to bring its policies into compliance, the Department of Health and Human Services may refer the matter to the Department of Justice for further legal action. Republican lawmakers in Maine have already urged Governor Mills to reverse the transgender athlete policy to avoid a federal lawsuit and potential loss of funding for education programs across the state.
