The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal investigation into Maine’s compliance with Title IX just hours after Maine Governor Janet Mills publicly challenged former President Donald Trump at the White House. Mills confronted Trump regarding his administration’s ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, refusing to comply with what she called “bullying” tactics.
Federal Probe Into Maine’s Title IX Policies
On Friday afternoon, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) formally notified Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin about the investigation into the Maine Department of Education and Maine School Administrative District #51. The focus of the probe is on the state’s policies that allow transgender students to compete in school sports, which OCR claims may violate Title IX protections for women’s sports.
The department’s decision to investigate Maine was announced via a press release, drawing immediate backlash from state officials and LGBTQ+ advocates.
Janet Mills Confronts Trump at National Governors Association Meeting
Earlier that same day, Gov. Janet Mills stood her ground against Donald Trump at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C. During a nationally televised press event, Trump singled out Mills and demanded that Maine comply with his executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. He threatened to cut federal funding if the state refused to follow his directive.
“I’m complying with state and federal laws,” Mills responded, firmly rejecting Trump’s demands.
Trump then responded, “Well—I’m—we are the federal law. You better do it because otherwise, you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.”
Mills, unfazed by the ultimatum, firmly replied: “We’ll see you in court.”
Mills Denounces Federal Retaliation
Hours after the confrontation, the governor’s office issued a press release condemning the federal probe as political retaliation. Mills accused Trump of using federal power to punish states that do not align with his political agenda.
“No President—Republican or Democrat—can withhold federal funding authorized and appropriated by Congress and paid for by Maine taxpayers in an attempt to coerce someone into compliance with his will,” Mills declared. “It is a violation of our Constitution and of our laws, which I took an oath to uphold.”
Mills also warned that Maine is just the beginning, questioning who Trump might target next.
“Who and what will he target next? Will it be you? Will it be because of your race or your religion? Will it be because you look different or think differently? Where does it end?” Mills asked.
She continued, “In America, the President is neither a King nor a dictator, as much as this one tries to act like it – and it is the rule of law that prevents him from being so.”
LGBTQ+ Advocates Support Mills
Following the federal government’s announcement, LGBTQ+ rights organizations voiced their support for Gov. Mills and her defense of transgender student-athletes.
“Gov. Mills is standing up for all Maine students. HRC stands with Gov. Mills,” a spokesperson from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the state of Maine and Gov. Mills remain resolute in their commitment to upholding anti-discrimination laws and ensuring equal rights for all students. The battle between state policies and federal directives continues to intensify, with potential legal challenges looming on the horizon.
Stay updated on the latest developments regarding Maine, Governor Janet Mills, and national LGBTQ+ rights issues.
