Anthony Archeval, Acting Director for Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for the Department of Health and Human Services | www.hrsa.gov
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has determined that the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School are in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This decision follows an investigation into whether these entities allowed males to compete in sports designated for females, which OCR found to be discriminatory under federal law.
The compliance review began with the Maine Department of Education on February 21, 2025, and was expanded to include the other two entities on March 5, 2025. The OCR's determination letter provides these organizations with a ten-day window to voluntarily resolve the issue through a signed agreement or face potential legal action by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Anthony Archeval, Acting Director of the Office for Civil Rights at HHS, stated: “The Maine Department of Education may not shirk its obligations under Federal law by ceding control of its extracurricular activities, programs, and services to the Maine Principals’ Association.” He expressed hope that all parties involved would work towards an agreement to ensure fairness in women's sports.
This action aligns with President Trump's Executive Order on Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports (E.O. 14201), which seeks to protect female athletes from competing against males and outlines measures such as rescinding funding from non-compliant educational programs.
OCR's efforts are part of a broader initiative aimed at defending women and children while upholding biological distinctions within federal policies.
Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion in HHS-operated or funded programs can file complaints through their website.
For updates from HHS OCR, follow them on X (formerly Twitter) at @HHSOCR.
