The Trump administration’s Office for Civil Rights has reportedly issued a notice of violation against the Maine Department of Education for allegedly breaching federal Title IX regulations.
This action follows the state’s decision to allow male athletes to compete in women’s sports, which the Office claims contradicts President Trump’s Executive Order on women’s sports.
In a formal letter to Governor Janet Mills, the Office highlighted that the Maine Principals’ Association, which governs youth sports in the state, has chosen to prioritize state law over federal mandates.
The letter referenced specific incidents where male athletes participated in girls’ sporting events, including a track meet and a ski competition, both occurring in February 2025.
The Office stated that the Maine Department of Education is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal non-discrimination laws in public school sports programs.
The findings indicated that Maine’s policies violate Title IX, which protects against gender-based discrimination in educational programs.
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Maine officials that they must adhere to federal law prohibiting boys from competing in girls’ sports.
She emphasized the Department of Justice’s commitment to defending women’s sports and threatened to pursue all legal avenues to ensure compliance.
Tensions escalated during a recent confrontation between President Trump and Governor Mills at the White House, where Trump warned that non-compliance could jeopardize federal funding for the state.
Mills maintained her stance on following both state and federal laws, indicating her readiness to challenge the federal government in court.
This situation underscores the ongoing debate over gender identity in sports and the complexities of aligning state policies with federal regulations.
[READ MORE: Trump To Close Department Of Education, Send Back To States]
