Dept. of Education Launches Investigation Into Two Athletic Associations That Publicly Defied Trump’s Order Protecting Girls’ Sports

Both athletic associations had publicly opposed the order, stating they would continue to permit transgender students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, in line with state laws in Minnesota and California which support such participation.

The investigations are being conducted by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to check for compliance with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal funds. The OCR has the authority to enforce compliance, which could lead to the withdrawal of federal funds if violations are confirmed.

MSHSL and CIF have both maintained that their policies are in accordance with the law and beneficial for all students. However, they are now facing scrutiny for potentially violating the new federal directive. This situation highlights a significant conflict between state laws and federal mandates on transgender participation in sports.