In an ongoing dispute over transgender athletes in schools, educational authorities in Maine have declared their intent to defy a proposed mandate put forth by the Trump administration that seeks to exclude transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department announced earlier this month that it found the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and an area high school to be in violation of Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete. This determination follows a public confrontation between President Trump and Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills about the issue.
In response, the federal health department provided these institutions with a ten-day timeframe to align with a voluntary agreement aimed at resolving the issue by prohibiting transgender athletes. The Maine Principals’ Association, which governs high school sports, along with School Administrative District 51, home to Greely High School, have both stated they will not adhere to this agreement.
The spotlight on Greely High School, located in Cumberland, a suburb of Portland, emerged after reports surfaced of a transgender student winning a girls’ track event. Despite the federal pressure, the school district announced in a community letter on Thursday their decision not to comply, vowing instead to uphold state law and the Maine Human Rights Act.
The letter encouraged students by saying: “To our students: Thank you for your maturity, perseverance, and dedication to learning through these distractions. Please continue to lead the way.”
In their release, the Maine Principals’ Association reiterated their commitment to abide by the law, including the Maine Human Rights Act, mirroring their participation policy. Meanwhile, the Maine Department of Education redirected inquiries to the state attorney general’s office, which did not provide a comment.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not issued a response to requests for comment. However, the department had previously expressed hope for collaboration with Maine’s educational bodies to achieve an agreement ensuring fairness in women’s sports.
The clash intensified last month when Governor Mills and President Trump confronted the issue at a meeting with governors at the White House. During that encounter, Trump insinuated a potential withdrawal of federal funds from Maine should the state defy his executive directive banning transgender participants in sports.
Governor Mills succinctly replied: “We’ll see you in court.” Since these developments, the U.S. Education Department has found Maine in violation of Title IX, suggesting that the state could potentially face legal action from the Justice Department.