Title IX Investigation Broadens in Maine Amid Controversy Over Transgender Athletes

Title IX Investigation Broadens in Maine Amid Controversy Over Transgender Athletes

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration has expanded its Title IX investigation in Maine, citing potential violations of the president’s executive order. This order mandates educational and athletic institutions to prohibit biological males from competing in women’s sports.

Now, the Maine Principals Association, the state’s main governing body for high school athletics, along with Greely High School, a focal point in the ongoing debate about transgender sports participation, are included in the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department’s investigation. An HHS spokesperson confirmed that the department’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) initiated an inquiry into the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) just last month. This investigation arose from information suggesting that Maine intends to oppose Trump’s order aimed at maintaining biological distinctions in athletic competitions.

Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for HHS, communicated to Fox News Digital that the department will thoroughly investigate Title IX issues. Nixon emphasized that maintaining fairness, safety, dignity, and biological truth in women’s and girls’ sports is critical. He remarked, “Men have no place in women’s sports. Maine must comply with Title IX or risk losing federal funding.”

Meanwhile, Maine Republican state legislators have issued a call to Democratic Governor Janet Mills to reconsider her stance against Trump’s February 5 executive order regarding transgender athletes. This order poses a threat of losing hundreds of millions in federal funding to K-12 schools statewide, based on figures presented by House Republicans.

In a press release, Assistant House Minority Leader Katrina Smith detailed the situation, expressing concern that the Mills administration’s policy allows biological boys to participate in girls’ sports. Smith stated, “This has physically and mentally mistreated our young ladies, and now this same policy could harm every child and teacher through potential loss of federal funds.”

State Representative Laurel Libby articulated a similar concern, urging that if Democrats continue to endorse the inclusion of biological males in girls’ sports, Maine students could risk losing substantial federal funding. Libby pointed out that Governor Mills and legislative Democrats have a pressing opportunity to restore funding and ensure fairness for Maine’s female athletes.

The Growing Controversy Over Gender Participation in Sports

The issue has escalated since Representative Libby faced censure from Democrats in the Maine state legislature for her comments regarding a Greely High School pole vaulter. This athlete, who competed as a biological male until recently, claimed a title in a statewide competition for women.

Libby posted social media content highlighting a stark contrast between the athlete’s previous and current participation. This included images of the athlete as a male and winning the women’s pole-vaulting event at Maine’s Class B state indoor championship meet.

Recent remarks from Zoe, a female athlete who participated in shot put at the same championship event, convey a shared sentiment among many affected athletes. Zoe stated, “State leaders have failed our female athletes, and there needs to be repercussions for their neglect.”

During a heated exchange with Governor Mills at the White House, Trump criticized Maine for defying his executive order. He warned of funding consequences unless the state takes corrective measures, to which Mills defiantly responded that she would be willing to fight in court.

Legal Implications Under Title IX

Sarah Perry, a civil rights attorney with a robust background in Title IX litigation, conveyed skepticism about Maine’s potential success in court regarding its policies. Perry noted that Maine is not only contravening federal law but also defying explicit directives from the Department of Education and previous judicial rulings. These rulings have established precedents that reject the interpretation of athletic eligibility based on one’s preferred gender identity.

According to Perry, “Maine entered into a contract with the Department of Education, promising to follow that federal civil rights law. Mills’ reliance on contrary state law will likely jeopardize any continued defiance.”

Governor Mills and the Maine Principals Association contend that Trump’s executive order conflicts with existing state Human Rights law, thus insisting that athletic eligibility must be determined by personal gender identity. The MPA has maintained that it will uphold the provisions set forth by state law.

The HHS Notice of Violation

Attorney General Aaron Frey confirmed that his office has received a