Maine Rejects Federal Title IX Compliance Agreement, Risks $250 Million in Education Funds

State officials refuse to adhere to Trump administration's mandate on transgender athletes, citing conflicts with Maine Human Rights Act and state sovereignty.

Maine officials, including the Department of Education, Principals’ Association, and Greely High School, declined to sign a federal agreement banning transgender athletes from girls' sports by the March 27 deadline.
The Trump administration is expected to escalate the matter to the Department of Justice, with Attorney General Pam Bondi threatening legal action against Maine for non-compliance.
Governor Janet Mills reaffirmed her commitment to challenging the federal directive in court, framing the issue as a defense of state sovereignty and Maine's anti-discrimination laws.
The refusal risks $250 million in federal education funding, which supports programs like school lunches and special education, as the federal government considers withholding funds.
Public opinion in Maine shows significant support for restricting girls’ sports to biological females, but there is also notable opposition to the potential loss of federal funding.

Portland Press Herald