The Trump administration on Monday announced that it had determined Maine’s educational authorities are in violation of federal law prohibiting sex discrimination, after allowing transgender girls to participate in school sports.
The decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued last month, that mandates the exclusion of transgender girls and women from female-only sports—a directive aimed at restoring fairness, though critics argue it infringes on the rights of a minority of athletes.
The order directs the Department of Justice to ensure that all government agencies enforce a ban on transgender participation in female sports under Trump’s interpretation of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement saying it has given the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals' Association, and Greely High School in Cumberland a 10‑day window to resolve the alleged violation, or the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice.
Maine emerged as a focal point of the controversy after a transgender athlete from Greely High School won a state championship in girls’ pole-vaulting, sparking debate over the state’s sports policies. The issue intensified in February when President Trump clashed with Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills. Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from the state over its policy on transgender participation in school sports, prompting Mills to retort, “We're going to follow the law, sir. We'll see you in court.”
The situation is further complicated by a 2021 update to Maine state law, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Despite this legislative action, the Trump administration’s stance reflects its broader efforts to enforce policies designed to restrict transgender participation in female sports.
As the 10‑day deadline approaches, Maine’s educational authorities now face mounting pressure to either amend their policies or risk federal intervention, a development that could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing debate over transgender rights in educational settings.
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President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
NATO leaders will meet in Ankara next week for a high-stakes summit focused on defence spending, support for Ukraine and relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, as European allies seek to present a united front despite transatlantic tensions.
Canada is hoping to unveil around 10 founding member countries for a proposed global defence bank at next week's NATO summit in Türkiye, as Ottawa pushes forward with an initiative aimed at strengthening allied defence capabilities through cheaper and more accessible financing.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in security, with a bilateral meeting planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Paris seeks closer coordination with key allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
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