On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced that Minnesota’s policies regarding transgender individuals in sports are in violation of Title IX, allowing them to engage in women’s athletics and occupy spaces intended for women.
The Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) specifically criticized the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for prioritizing “gender identity” above biological reality, which contradicts Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination.
The investigation revealed that MDE and MSHSL permit male athletes to participate in various women’s sports teams, like high mountain skiing, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and softball.
The Civil Rights Office at the ED began this investigation in February when the MSHSL indicated it would adhere to state laws favoring federal anti-discrimination guidelines that encounter President Trump’s order to “keep men out of women’s sports.” By June, HHS had initiated its own review after a transgender male athlete won multiple women’s softball competitions, including a state championship, while representing Champlin Park High School.
“For many years, it has been evident that Minnesota’s political leadership stands against justice and common sense. Now, both the MDE and MSHSL are going against Title IX by allowing men to compete in women’s sports,” a spokesperson commented.
“The Trump administration is not going to allow Minnesota or other states to undermine female students’ safety, fair treatment, or dignity in favor of misguided ideologies. Compliance with Title IX is mandatory for any educational program or entity receiving federal funding.”
Paula M. Stannard, the director of the OCR at HHS, stated that Minnesota’s stance “denies equal opportunities for women under Title IX, especially in terms of athletic competition.”
“It’s essential for Minnesota to recognize the fundamental biological differences between men and women, as these differences justify the integrity of women’s teams and ensure fair and safe competition,” Stannard said.
The ED and HHS have issued proposed resolution agreements to MDE and MSHSL that require them to voluntarily address Title IX violations within ten days, or else face enforcement actions.
The agreements necessitate several actions:
- MDE and MSHSL must withdraw or amend guidance that allows men to compete in women’s sports, ensuring compliance with Title IX and reflecting any conflicts with state law since federal law takes precedence.
- MDE is to notify all federally funded entities involved in interscholastic athletics programs, insisting on strict adherence to Title IX by separating teams and facilities based on biological sex.
- These notifications will prompt entities to adopt strict definitions of “male” and “female,” and remind them of the risks to federal funding due to Title IX violations.
- MDE and MSHSL are required to provide updated Title IX training and documentation for personnel.
- MDE will restore any records and titles taken from female athletes by male competitors in the female category and issue letters of apology to affected women, ensuring they receive a non-discriminatory educational experience. MDE must also ensure that MSHSL performs these actions concurrently.
- MDE requires each school and MSHSL to certify annually their compliance with Title IX.
Breitbart News reached out to MDE and MSHSL for comments but had not received a reply at the time of publication.
