By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a compliance review of the University of Maine, a response triggered by the institution’s alleged failure to adhere to President’s Executive Order 14201, which mandates exclusion of men from women’s sports.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the administration's stance, stating, “President Trump has made it abundantly clear - taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars will not support institutions that discriminate against women.”
The University of Maine, benefiting from over $100 million in USDA funding as a land-grant institution, is under scrutiny to ensure it complies with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program receiving federal aid. Compliance with this law is crucial for the continuation of federal support.
The issue at hand stems from the university’s non-compliance with the executive order, which could lead to significant financial repercussions. Rollins’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing the executive order and protecting women's rights in sports by withholding funds from non-compliant institutions.
This action by the USDA signifies a strong federal stance on adherence to Title IX and the specific directives of executive orders concerning gender and sports. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled by federally funded educational institutions across the country.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National