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The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services have found that Minnesota violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. The investigation, initiated under President Donald Trump's administration, focused on the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The investigation was prompted by a transgender pitcher leading a girls' high school softball team to a state championship.
The federal investigation determined that Minnesota allowed male athletes to compete in various girls' sports, including Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and softball. The findings specifically highlighted the performance of Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender athlete from Champlin Park High School, who dominated the girls' softball championship by striking out 27 batters and giving up only one earned run over 35 innings.
The Trump administration's executive order, "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," aims to prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports. According to HHS, the federal government has given Minnesota a 10-day deadline to amend its policies or face enforcement action. The resolution agreement requires Minnesota to change its policy on transgender athletes to comply with Title IX.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against the federal government to prevent the enforcement of these policies.