The Trump administration is now reportedly intensifying pressure on Maine to prohibit biological males from competing in female sports, issuing a 10-day ultimatum for compliance with federal Title IX rules.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), identified several entities within Maine—specifically the Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School—claiming they violated Title IX by allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports.
The administration contends that such practices inherently discriminate against female athletes.
OCR acting director Anthony Archeval emphasized the need for Maine to protect female athletes’ rights, stating, “Girls deserve girls-only sports without male competitors.”
The ultimatum mandates a signed agreement from the Maine educational institutions and threatens adverse consequences if they fail to comply.
Previously, the Trump administration withheld funding from the Maine university system, although that funding was later restored.
This latest development escalates an ongoing conflict between Governor Janet Mills of Maine, a Democrat, and the Trump administration.
The feud traces back to Maine’s refusal to comply with a Trump executive order aimed at cutting taxpayer funding to organizations that permit transgender athletes to compete in female sports.
Mills has indicated potential legal action if the administration follows through with funding cuts.
The tensions between the governor and Trump were highlighted during a bipartisan Governors Working Session at the White House in February when Trump challenged Mills on compliance, to which she responded that she would adhere to both state and federal laws.
Trump insisted on the necessity of compliance, threatening to withhold federal funding if the state did not align with federal mandates.
This situation underscores the larger national debate surrounding transgender participation in sports and the interpretation of Title IX protections.
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