Department of Justice Announces Title IX Lawsuit Against Maine

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today, April 16, that the Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against Maine for violating Title IX.

Title IX, enacted in 1972, is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funds.

From the DOJ lawsuit:

The State of Maine, through its Department of Education, is openly and defiantly flouting federal anti-discrimination law by enforcing policies that require girls to compete against boys in athletic competitions designated exclusively for girls. This discriminatory practice violates the core protections of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which guarantees equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of sex. By prioritizing gender identity over biological reality, Maine’s policies deprive girl athletes of fair competition, deny them equal athletic opportunities, and expose them to heightened risks of physical injury and psychological harm.

Read the complete lawsuit here.

Maine Governor Janet Mills issued a response to the lawsuit:

Today is the latest, expected salvo in an unprecedented campaign to pressure the State of Maine to ignore the Constitution and abandon the rule of law. This matter has never been about school sports or the protection of women and girls, as has been claimed, it is about states rights and defending the rule of law against a federal government bent on imposing its will, instead of upholding the law. Federal Judge Woodcock’s ruling of last Friday awarding the state a temporary restraining order reinforces our position that the federal government has been acting unlawfully.

For nearly two months, Maine has endured recriminations from the Federal government that have targeted hungry school kids, hardworking fishermen, senior citizens, new parents, and countless Maine people. We have been subject to politically motivated investigations that opened and closed without discussion, leaving little doubt that their outcomes were predetermined. Let today serve as warning to all states: Maine might be among the first to draw the ire of the Federal government in this way, but we will not be the last.

For decades — first as a District Attorney, as Attorney General, and now as Governor — I have fought tirelessly for the rights of women and girls, for the health and well-being of children and families, and defending the Constitution of Maine and the Constitution of the United States. My Administration and Maine’s Attorney General will vigorously defend our state against the action announced today from the Department of Justice.

As I have said previously, this is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he cannot.

• Maine Refuses to Sign Title IX Resolution with DOE
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• Final Warning Given to Maine to Comply with Title IX
• HHS Civil Rights Office Determines Maine Violates Title IX by Allowing Males in Women’s Sports

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