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23 February 2025

USDA Launches Title IX Review Of University Of Maine

Federal scrutiny follows conflict over transgender athlete participation in women's sports

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is launching a compliance review of the University of Maine concerning potential violations of Title IX, particularly around the participation of transgender athletes. This review follows significant tensions between President Donald Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills over adherence to Trump's executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing on women's sports teams.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated clearly, "President Trump has made it abundantly clear: taxpayers' hard-earned dollars will not support institutions which discriminate against women," underscoring the directive to uphold federal law. The USDA’s investigation highlights Maine's past compliance with the executive order and its claim to provide equal opportunities across gender lines. The University of Maine is classified as a land-grant institution with access to over $100 million from the USDA.

This action follows contentious exchanges at the White House, where President Trump directly questioned Mills on the state's compliance with federal regulations. During the governors' meeting, Trump threatened to cut off federal funding if Maine continued its current policy, to which Mills retorted, "I’m complying with state and federal law." The stakes of this confrontation have grown, as federal investigations expand beyond the university to include allegations against the Maine Department of Education for allowing male athletes to compete on girls' teams.

Rollins emphasized the seriousness of the USDA's position, stating, "Any institution which chooses to disregard [the order] can count on losing future funding." This funding is not insignificant; the University of Maine's budget heavily relies on federal sources. The USDA's involvement sets the stage for potential legal conflicts as it reviews the compliance of educational policies across the state.

Governor Mills has publicly vowed to fight any federal attempts to cut funding, claiming, "The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President’s threats." This statement came after Trump suggested he could legally pursue actions against Maine for its stance on transgender athletes. The response from the governor's office indicated readiness for potential legal battles should the USDA proceed with severe measures.

Indeed, right after Trump's threats sparked this scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights initiated its review of the Maine Department of Education for allegedly allowing male students to compete against female students. This escalation brings together federal educational and agricultural authorities, demonstrating the administration's commitment to enforcing its anti-trans directives.

The investigation serves to spotlight the broader national debate over transgender rights, particularly concerning youth sports—an issue gaining traction across numerous states. Maine's approach aligns with many other jurisdictions where local laws enable transgender athletes to compete but clash with federal mandates.

This clash of regulations and rights has drawn public and political scrutiny as individuals advocate for either maintaining inclusion and diversity or restricting competition based on biological sex. Trump's administration has championed what it calls fairness for women athletes, which critics argue undermines the rights and identities of transgender individuals.

While the University of Maine System has issued statements recognizing the USDA's importance and the lack of allegations against the institution itself, the overarching pressure from the federal government could lead to substantial consequences. UMaine's spokesperson stated, "We will continue to comply with all relevant State and Federal laws and cooperate with any compliance reviews to benefit our students, the state and this nation." This statement reflects both compliance with the review process and the institution’s unwillingness to concede to federal pressures without due process.

Ripples from this Title IX investigation extend beyond Maine, reflecting diverse responses from various states. The possible loss of federal funding underpins various institutional strategies to accommodate or contest federal orders presented by the Trump administration.

Speculation continues about how institutions will respond to the USDA's compliance reviews as other states may find themselves similarly investigated. Such actions raise questions about the future of federal support for universities and the basic tenets of non-discrimination stipulated under Title IX. Educational administrators across the country are weighing the ramifications of compliance versus federal directives and examining how to uphold both educational ethos and funding support.

Looking forward, the outcome of this review will likely play out on multiple fronts—legally, politically, and socially—over the next few months. The confrontation between federal administrations and state governments, particularly around the rights of transgender students, serves as both a battleground and litmus test for broader social attitudes toward gender inclusivity and protection under the law.

The University of Maine and the state governorship's responses will continue to evolve as they navigate federal scrutiny, defiance, and the demands of their constituencies. With high stakes, the process may well redefine how gender identity and education intersect within the purview of federal law.