Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, made his attitude aware of whether transient athletes should compete in girls and women’s sports on Monday.
Collins said in a statement obtained by Pakinomist Digital that a Maine State Law that allows biological men to compete against girls and women is the antithesis to “the spirit and intention of title IX.”
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Senator Susan Collins (Rich Beauchesne/Seacoastonline)
“I think the state Maine is under control because of the State Act that allows biological men to play in girls’ sports. And that is contrary to not only the president’s executive, but what I think is the very spirit and intention of title IX, which should give sports and other athletic activities to girls in a safe and fair way,” Collins wrote.
The state refused to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order to prevent biological men from competing in girls and women’s sports. The Health and Human Service Department’s Office for Civil Rights referred the State’s “Failure to Compliance with Title IX” to the Ministry of Justice on Friday.
“It is critically important to treat people who are transient with respect and dignity. But that does not change the fact that title IX, adopted in 1972, has expanded the opportunities for girls and young women to participate in organized sports in high school and university levels,” Collins added. “It did this in part by giving mandate for equal access to athletic resources and facilities on the basis of sex – not on the basis of gender identity. Safe and fair athletic competition have been one of the keys to success with section IX. Therefore, I do not think transking athletes should compete in girls and women’s athletics.
“I will continue to advocate for Maine to receive his reasonable share of federal funding, something I have done successfully so far, but I support the original intention behind section IX.”
The Maine School’s officials explained why they refused to comply with Trump’s executive order on Monday.
Senator Susan Collins (IMagn)
“Maine Principals’ Association is bound by the law, including Maine Human Rights ACT (MHRA), which our participation policy reflects,” officials wrote. “We are unable to sign any decision -making agreement that would mandate, we create a new policy that would violate the law and MHRA.
“As such, we have not signed and will not sign the decision -making agreement sent by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. With regard to the Federal Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Resolution Agreement, we were not a direct recipient of this Agreement, so we are not obliged to answer.”
Maine School -Officers explain why the state was in ‘non -compliance with section IX’ after reference to DOJ
Maine School Administrative District 51 also pointed to Maine Human Rights Act.
“The MSAD #51 board is governed by mission, vision and core values in our district. This includes the promotion of a safe, caring and ethical learning environment where each person will be treated with respect and justice; and individuals are recognized, valued and supported,” its letter reads.
“To our students: Thank you for your maturity, perseverance and dedication to learning through these distractions. Continue to lead the way.
Maine State House (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty/File)
“To our teachers and staff: We deeply appreciate your unshakable commitment to our students. Your dedication has an in -depth influence and we are grateful for your resilience and compassion. Note that no board policies have changed at this time. We encourage you to continue to support any student, socially and academically as you always have.”
Maine Human Rights ACT was changed four years ago to add gender identity as a protected class and specifically declared that refusing a person a equal opportunity to participate in sports is discrimination of education. Maine Principals’ Association updated her policy to allow athletes to compete against the gender they identify as last year.
A study by the University of New Hampshire, published on Thursday, found that 64% of Maine residents believe that transnry athletes “certainly shouldn’t” or “probably not” join girls and women’s sports. Only 29% of the Maine residents felt that transking athletes “probably should” or “definitely” compete “against girls and women in sports.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and Maine’s Education Department have not answered requests for comment.
