The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched an investigation into the Portland Public School District after a male student participated in a girls’ track and field competition.
Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, said in a statement, “We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational entity that receives federal funds to trample on the antidiscrimination protections that women and girls are guaranteed under law.”
“President Trump and Secretary McMahon have been steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of women and girls. OCR will use every lawful means to ensure that no female athlete is denied equal athletic opportunities or robbed of her rightful accolades,” Trainor said.
The investigation surrounds a complaint filed to the OCR where a male athlete won two girls’ competitions. The athlete won first place in two competitions again this year.
After President Trump issued an executive order protecting women’s sports, the Oregon School Board Association (OSBA) asserted that the “laws have not changed.”
“OSBA remains dedicated to improving student success in Oregon. We will continue to fight for the needs of each student in Oregon to ensure that no matter their ability, income level, ZIP code or identity, all students receive the support they need to succeed,” the OSBA said earlier this month. “That is what equity means to us, and that is worth protecting. OSBA will continue to fight for civil rights, Title funds, school nutrition programs, student mental health and whatever else is required for a high-quality public education for all Oregon students.”
In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued warnings to California, Maine, and Minnesota, demanding compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws that mandate the exclusion of biological males from women’s sports. “This Department of Justice will hold accountable states and state entities that violate federal law,” Bondi said. “Indeed, we have already begun to do so.”
