Maine vs. Trump: School officials defy ultimatum to protect girls sports
Officials at Maine School Administrative District 51 made a bold statement on Thursday by announcing their refusal to comply with a proposed agreement from President Donald Trump’s administration. The agreement would prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls sports, a decision that has sparked controversy and debate across the nation.
The district, which is home to Greely High School where a transgender athlete recently made headlines for winning a girls pole vault competition, stated that they will continue to follow state law and the Maine Human Rights Act. In a statement, the district expressed their gratitude to the students for their maturity, perseverance, and dedication to learning amidst the distractions caused by this issue.
The Maine Principals’ Association also affirmed their commitment to abide by the law, including the Maine Human Rights Act, which their participation policy reflects. Despite recent data showing that a majority of Maine residents oppose transgender athletes in girls sports, the district and the association have decided to defy Trump’s order.
A survey conducted by the American Parents Coalition revealed that 63% of registered Maine voters believe that school sports participation should be based on biological sex. Additionally, 66% agreed that it is only fair to restrict women’s sports to biological females. The poll also found that 60% of residents would support a ballot measure limiting participation in women’s and girls sports to biological females.
The controversy surrounding a trans athlete at Greely High School gained national attention after Maine Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby identified the athlete by name and shared a photograph on social media in February. The situation escalated to the point where police protection was assigned to the school due to safety concerns.
Following these events, a feud erupted between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, with Trump threatening to cut federal funding to the state if they did not ban transgender athletes from girls and women’s sports. Mills responded by threatening legal action against the Trump administration, leading to a heated exchange between the two at the White House.
Despite pressure from the federal government, the district and the association stood firm in their decision not to comply with the proposed agreement. Last week, the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights found the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School in violation of Title IX for allowing trans inclusion in girls sports.
The OCR warned that the state had 10 days to correct its policies through a signed agreement or risk referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for appropriate action. The deadline has now passed, and the district remains resolute in their stance.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, OCR acting Director Anthony Archeval emphasized the importance of protecting female athletes’ rights and enforcing Title IX to ensure girls-only sports without male competitors. The consequences for continued defiance of the executive order remain to be seen as the debate over transgender athletes in girls sports continues to unfold.
