Overview

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a freeze on federal funding for administrative and technological functions in Maine schools due to alleged Title IX violations.
• The freeze stems from Maine's refusal to comply with a February 2025 executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.
• Governor Janet Mills has criticized the federal action as politically motivated, defending Maine's Human Rights Act, which protects transgender athletes' rights.
• The USDA clarified that federal food programs and direct assistance for Mainers will remain unaffected by the funding pause.
• The USDA is conducting a broader review of all education and research-related funding in Maine to ensure alignment with federal law and Trump administration priorities.