Key Takeaways:
- Federal authorities have determined that Minnesota violated Title IX by allowing male athletes to compete in female sports.
- The ruling targets both the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
- Minnesota has 10 days to comply with a proposed federal Resolution Agreement or risk enforcement actions, including potential federal funding cuts.
- The case highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender inclusion in athletics versus protections for female athletes.
Federal Agencies: Minnesota Violated Title IX by Allowing Male Athletes in Girls’ Sports
The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
The joint finding concluded that the state allowed male athletes to participate in female sports and access female-designated facilities, undermining the law’s prohibition on sex discrimination.
The investigation was initiated following the Trump administration’s February 2025 executive order, which aimed to restrict males from competing in women’s sports.
In June 2025, the federal review intensified after reports surfaced of a male athlete from Champlin Park High School dominating girls’ fast-pitch softball, leading the team to a state championship while striking out 27 batters across 35 innings.
Allegations and Federal Response
The federal report states that male athletes were permitted to compete in several girls’ sports, including Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and softball.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor emphasized that Minnesota “finds itself on the wrong side of Title IX by allowing males to compete in women’s sports,” adding that federal funds obligate compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
HHS OCR Director Paula M. Stannard reinforced the position, stating, “Minnesota permits male athletes to compete in sports designated for females, which denies females the equal opportunities under Title IX that they deserve.”
She cited the importance of recognizing biological differences to ensure fair and safe competition.
Required Actions and State Implications
The proposed Resolution Agreement gives MDE and MSHSL 10 days to take corrective measures, including rescinding transgender-inclusive athletic policies, issuing statewide compliance notices, conducting Title IX training, and restoring titles and records to female athletes. Schools and MSHSL will also be required to certify annual compliance with Title IX.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Trump administration critic, has not publicly responded to the ruling, but the case adds to a series of federal actions challenging the state’s policies on inclusive practices and immigration.
The federal finding underscores the tension between national mandates on sex-based protections and state-level efforts to include transgender athletes, marking a significant flashpoint in the debate over fairness, safety, and equity in school sports.
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