The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), the primary governing body for high school athletics in the state, has announced that it will continue to allow transgender athletes to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity. This decision comes in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which mandates that federal agencies interpret Title IX as prohibiting transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories.
The MPA’s stance is grounded in Maine’s Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. Mike Burnham, the MPA’s executive director, emphasized that the association’s policies are designed to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all student-athletes, in accordance with state law.
Legal experts have noted that the MPA’s decision may conflict with the federal executive order. Erika Sanzi, director of outreach for Parents Defending Education, pointed out that the executive order carries the weight of federal law and that non-compliance could have legal implications.
Maine is not alone. Washington state has also challenged Trump’s executive order. Chris Reykdal, Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, stated that he is working with the state’s attorney general to resist Trump’s order prohibiting transgender individuals from participating in women’s sports.
It is unclear if and how the Trump administration will respond to these instances of resistance. The Trump administration has made it clear that protecting women’s sports is a priority, as lawmakers and elected Democrat officials fight to promote transgender rights at the expense of women’s rights.
