The Education Department is examining Oregon’s largest school district and the state governing bodies, with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announcing on Tuesday to allow transgender students to engage in girls’ track and field events.
In a letter dispatched this week to Portland Public Schools superintendent Kimberly Armstrong and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), the department claimed that transgender students had breached Title IX of federal anti-discrimination laws by permitting non-transgender girls to compete alongside and use the girls’ locker rooms.
The OCR stated it initiated inquiries following complaints submitted to the department and a “credible public report” indicating that Portland’s Leodis V. McDaniel High School had permitted trans students to participate on the girls’ track team over the last two seasons.
As per the OCR, the student won both this year’s and the previous year’s Portland Interscholastic League Championship in the girls’ 200 and 400 meters sprint events.
This investigation initiated by the district and sports association represents another in a series of inquiries that the department has launched since President Trump enacted an executive order banning trans athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
“We are informing all educational institutions receiving taxpayer funds that should males encroach upon women’s sports teams or access locker rooms, it constitutes a Title IX violation before risking federal funding,” Trump stated during a February signing event.
In a statement via email, Armstrong acknowledged the OCR complaints and noted the district is “fully cooperating with the investigation.”
“I firmly recognize our legal responsibilities and highly value the rights of all students to be treated with dignity, safety, and respect,” Armstrong expressed, also mentioning that the district is “completely in alignment with Oregon laws which may differ from federal recommendations.”
“We are proactively engaging with legal and state partners to navigate this complicated legal terrain,” she added. “Given the sensitive nature of this matter and our duty to safeguard student privacy, I’m restricted in what I can disclose at this point. Nevertheless, I want to stress our commitment and our district’s commitment to act justly for all students, particularly the most vulnerable ones.”
Oregon law forbids discrimination based on gender identity, meaning that, according to the state education department, schools cannot categorically exclude trans students from participating in extracurricular activities.
“Inquiries regarding individual sport eligibility or protocols should be directed to the respective governing body.” Some guidance from the department aims to support gender-expansive students.
OSAA, which includes communities around Oregon, has permitted transgender student-athletes to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity since 2019. The organization has developed policy in collaboration with educators.
An OSAA representative did not promptly reply to a request for comments regarding the investigation by the U.S. Department of Education.
“We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational institutions that receive federal funding to undermine the protections for women and girls guaranteed by law.”
“President Trump and his Secretary [Linda McMahon] are unwavering in their dedication to safeguarding the rights of women and girls,” stated the spokesperson. In a statement. “OCR employs all legal avenues to ensure that female athletes are not deprived of equal opportunities in athletics or denied rightful recognition.”
Shortly after President Trump signed an executive order to disband the Department of Education, targeting it for many conservatives, the investigation into the Oregon School District and sports organizations began about a week later.
The order that faculty claim has “clearly failed” educators and students indicates that Congressional action is essential to entirely close Congress. The White House recently communicated that it would uphold “critical features” mandated by Congress, including a funding program for students with disabilities.
A representative from the Department of Education did not respond to inquiries about whether there is a backup plan concerning the ongoing Title IX investigation in the event of dissolution. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a Title IX survey in schools and states that will permit trans athletes to join female and women’s school sports teams, as part of a new initiative within the Women’s Health Division offices.
Last week, both health and education departments announced that investigators found Maine violated Title IX by permitting competition based on gender identity instead of birth sex.
The University of Maine System stated on Friday that the administration confirmed seven universities adhered to state and federal regulations.
NCAA president Charlie Baker testified to Congress that fewer than 10 transgender athletes were competing in member schools nationwide.
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