Title: Minnesota Faces DOJ Enforcement Action for Title IX Violations in Girls' Sports
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education have informed the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) that they are escalating their cases to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement action. This action is a result of Minnesota's ongoing non-compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. Minnesota has been allowing males to participate in girls' sports and use female-only facilities, violating Title IX regulations.
In September 2025, HHS and the U.S. Department of Education found that MDE and MSHSL were in violation of Title IX by permitting males to compete in multiple female sports programs and access female-only intimate facilities. Despite being offered a Resolution Agreement to address these violations, Minnesota has not taken any action to rectify the situation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., emphasized that allowing males to compete in girls' sports denies young women and girls the protections guaranteed by law, leading to the referral of the case to the Department of Justice for enforcement.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed disappointment in Minnesota's defiance of Title IX, which puts the safety, fair competition, and equal access of women and girls at risk. The referral to the DOJ underscores the state's failure to uphold the law and protect its citizens. The Trump Administration is committed to holding Minnesota accountable for its actions.
The investigation began in June 2025 when a male athlete participated in a MSHSL high school girls' softball championship. It was discovered that this athlete had been competing on the Champlin Park High School girls' varsity fastpitch softball team since 2023, leading the team to victory against other all-girls teams. Additionally, male athletes were found to have participated in various girls' sports teams over several years, including Alpine ski, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and fastpitch softball.
Minnesota has been notified that HHS and the U.S. Department of Education will refer the case to the DOJ for potential proceedings, which could result in the termination of federal funding from the two agencies. It is crucial for Minnesota to address these Title IX violations to ensure the protection and equal opportunities for women and girls in sports and educational activities.