The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has referred its Title IX investigation of Maine's Department of Education (MDOE) to the Department of Justice for potential legal action. MDOE's refusal to comply with Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in schools receiving federal funding, prompted ED to initiate proceedings to terminate MDOE's federal funding. This follows a March noncompliance finding and a final warning. The ED cites MDOE's policies allowing males in female sports and intimate spaces as violations. The decision comes after MDOE rejected a resolution agreement to address the violations.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.