University of Maine complies with trans sports restrictions

The University of Maine System has confirmed that it complies with federal and state laws, as well as NCAA rules regarding transgender sports participation. This announcement comes after an investigation by the Trump administration suggested that the university system violated Title IX, which prevents sex-based discrimination in federal-funded educational programs. The findings indicated a potential threat of suspended federal funds from the Department of Agriculture. The University of Maine System, which includes seven universities, expressed relief at the conclusion of the Title IX compliance review. Chancellor Dannel Malloy emphasized the importance of federal funding for education and community support. The USDA announced that the university system had clearly communicated its commitment to Title IX and provided equal opportunities for women in sports. This communication was crucial after President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting trans women and girls from participating in women's sports, labeling it an unfair practice. The USDA had temporarily paused funding for the University of Maine System while it reviewed possible Title VI or IX violations. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noted that schools ignoring the executive order risk losing future funding. Samantha Warren, an official with UMS, stated that Maine's public universities are compliant with state and federal laws, including NCAA rules. She noted that the NCAA had recently updated its policies, limiting competition in women's sports to athletes assigned female at birth.