USDA freezes funding for Maine programs over transgender athletes

The back and forth between the Trump administration and officials in the state of Maine isn't slowing down

with the U.S. Department of Agriculture now deciding to pause federal funding for some school programs

in response to Maine's alleged violations of Title IX. The department secretary, Brooke Rawlins, sent a letter to Democratic Maine governor Janet Mills Wednesday

writing, quote, you cannot openly violate federal law against discrimination in education and expect federal

funding to continue unabated. Rollins says funding will be impacted for certain administrative and technological operations

in schools. Adding school lunch programs, which are funded by the USDA, will not be impacted by the freeze

For Maine to continue receiving funding, Rollins says the state will have to demonstrate

compliance with Title IX's protection of female student athletes. The Trump administration launched several investigations into Maine's compliance with Title IX

over transgender athletes' participation in girls and women's sports, following a public dispute between President Trump and Mills over the issue

The main Department of Education, the main principals association, and a high school were each found to be in violation

The state could face additional penalties next week, after the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to the main Department of Education Monday

advising a final deadline of April 11th to address the issue or risk another referral to the Department of Justice

The Department of Health and Human Services already referred Maine to the DOJ last week

Governor Janet Mills has not responded publicly to the USDA funding freeze

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kara Rucker. For all your latest news headlines, download the Straight Arrow News mobile app today