Maine found in violation of Title IX by HHS’ Civil Rights Office

Stubborn adherence to an extreme agenda is putting safety, athletic opportunities and financial support for Maine’s female athletes at risk

STATE HOUSE – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced that the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School are each in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), as amended, and its HHS implementing regulation.

Maine House Republicans are again calling on the Mills Administration, the Maine Principals’ Association, and now Greely High School to reverse its support of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports.

“Title IX was passed in 1972 to provide equal athletic opportunities and protection for girls,” said House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham. “It is a matter of scientific fact that biological males have a physical advantage over biological females. Governor Mills, the Maine Principals’ Association and Greely High School are discriminating against Maine girls on the basis of sex by allowing biological boys to diminish their athletic experiences and invade their private spaces. They need to abandon this ignorant, indefensible position and uphold Title IX protections for our girls.”

“OCR’s determination of violation letter provides an opportunity for the Mills Administration, Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School to change course and join with the thousands of young women on the other side of their discriminatory policies,” said Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith. “Failure to do so will expose their rigid adherence to a narrow agenda that defies logic, common sense and scientific fact.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights’ determination letter to the three entities offers them an opportunity to voluntarily commit within 10 days to resolve the matter through a signed agreement or risk referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for appropriate action.

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