DOJ Sues Maine Over Transgender Athletes in Girls' Sports

The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, announced on Wednesday that it has filed a civil lawsuit against the state of Maine over alleged violations of Title IX. The lawsuit accuses Maine of discriminating against women by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' and women's sports. The DOJ claims that the Maine Department of Education has failed to protect female athletes by permitting biological males who identify as female to participate in sports designated for girls and women. This, according to the DOJ, violates federal laws that ensure equal opportunities and personal safety for female athletes. "The state of Maine is discriminating against women by failing to protect them in women's sports," Bondi said during a press conference in Washington, D.C. "This is a violation of Title IX. The Department of Justice will not sit by when women's rights are being infringed." Education Secretary Linda McMahon supported the legal action, stating that Maine Governor Janet Mills is under investigation for civil rights violations due to the state's policies on transgender athletes. "We have exhausted every other remedy," McMahon remarked, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enforcing federal directives. The lawsuit follows a standoff between the Trump administration and Maine after the state refused to comply with an executive order signed by President Trump barring transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. Maine officials reportedly challenged the administration's directives, leading to the current legal action. The DOJ's move reflects the administration's broader efforts to enforce policies that restrict transgender individuals' participation in sports aligning with their gender identity. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for school athletics policies and transgender rights nationwide.