The Trump administration warned Maine on Wednesday that it faces consequences if it continues to downplay President Donald Trump's presidential order that bans men from playing on women's sports teams.
“It's easy to see what HHS wants from the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principal Association and Greeley High School. It protects the rights of female athletes. Anthony Arkeval, acting director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Civil Rights Office (OCR) I said In a statement to Fox News Digital.
“And if Maine does not come to the table to voluntarily comply with Title IX, HHS will implement Title IX to the fullest extent permitted by law,” he added.
His comments came after OCR on Monday announced that the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principal Association and Greeley High School each violated Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment.
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OCR began a compliance review after a transgender-identifying boy claimed victory in the main class B championship for the Greeley High School track and field team in February. High school boys were allowed to perform on girls' teams, despite Trump's executive order banning men's sports teams. Following Trump's order, Maine officials publicly said follow Siding with men who identify transgender people more than women and girls in order.
The OCR provides the opportunity to send letters of determination to three entities and voluntarily commit within 10 days to comply with Title IX.
After the announcement of the OCR on Monday, the Main Principal Association issued Statement response Outlets will double the support of men in women's sports.
“The alleged violations are due to MPA policies, a direct result of Maine Human Rights Act, and the obligation that athletes are permitted to participate in teams that are gender identity-oriented. MPA policies are consistent with Maine law,” the association said.
“The decision that the MPA violated Title IX requires that the MPA be seen in Title IX, as it initially received direct or indirect funding from the federal government,” the association continued. In short, a small portion of our funds comes from 151 member schools that receive the majority of local property taxes and the funds from the state. A large portion of our funds comes from ticket sales, sponsorship, streaming, television and other contracts.
The MPA told the outlet it expects subjects to be discussed in the Maine Legislature and “looks forward to a robust discussion.”
“We urge all parties to this issue to air where they belong, concerns, thoughts or opinions. The statement has always been read by a respectful discussion at the hearing on a bill addressing this issue.
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President Trump's executive order:Keeping men away from women's sports“It was Created To protect female student athletes from “making them appear to be dressed or undressed in front of men.” Additionally, federal departments require that “consider grants for educational programs and, if necessary, revoke funding for programs that do not comply with established policies in this order.”
Katherine Hamilton is a political reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow her on x @thekat_hamilton.
