The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a final warning to the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) regarding its noncompliance with Title IX guidelines. This action follows OCR's investigation into MDOE's refusal to address its Title IX violations. The letter sent marks the last step before the matter is potentially escalated to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement.
OCR presented MDOE with a proposed Resolution Agreement on March 19, offering a chance to voluntarily resolve the issues. MDOE has not taken steps to mitigate discrimination against women and girls in sports or private spaces since then. OCR's recent communication warns that unless MDOE agrees to the Resolution by April 11, the case will be referred to the DOJ. This could lead to the cessation of the MDOE's federal education funding.
"The Maine Department of Education’s indifference to its past, current, and future female athletes is astonishing. By refusing to comply with Title IX, MDOE allows—indeed, encourages—male competitors to threaten the safety of female athletes, wrongfully obtain girls’ hard-earned accolades, and deny females equal opportunity in educational activities to which they are guaranteed under Title IX," said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor. "Under prior administrations, enforcement was an illusory proposition. No more. The Trump-McMahon Education Department is moving quickly to ensure that federal funds no longer support patently illegal practices that harm women and girls."
OCR initiated the investigation on February 21, citing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This regulation prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funds. OCR found MDOE in violation on March 19, highlighting policies and practices conflicting with Title IX.
President Trump's Executive Order "Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports" endorses a U.S. policy aligned with Title IX to protect female athletes from competing against males or being exposed in private scenarios to male presence.
