Federal Judge Blocks Biden Administration from Withholding School Funds in Gender Policy Dispute with Maine
Court Orders USDA to Release Withheld Funds for Children and Seniors
A federal judge has halted the Biden administration’s effort to freeze millions in federal funding to the state of Maine over a growing dispute about gender policy in public schools.
The decision comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended funds supporting school meal programs, childcare services, and nutrition for disabled adults, citing the state’s alleged noncompliance with Title IX regulations.
The court ruled that the USDA must “immediately unfreeze and release” all withheld funds and is barred from freezing or interfering with future funding without following legally required procedures. These critical programs feed vulnerable children and seniors, particularly in rural communities.
Why Did the Federal Government Withhold Funds from Maine?
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to protect women’s sports by restricting biological males from participating in female athletic competitions—a move applauded by parents and women’s advocacy groups.
Maine refused to implement the order, allowing transgender athletes to continue competing in girls’ events. In response, the Biden-controlled USDA launched a review and froze certain funding streams—sparking backlash and legal action.
Maine Sues Federal Government Over “Punishment Tactics”
Maine officials filed a lawsuit, arguing that the funding freeze unjustly targeted school nutrition programs and support for the disabled. The judge sided with the state, stating the freeze “restricted the ability to provide meals to children and vulnerable adults.”
The court’s decision affirms that political disagreements cannot justify withholding essential resources—especially when they impact basic needs like school lunches and senior care.
Ongoing Federal Investigations and DOJ Involvement
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has also referred Maine’s Department of Education to the Department of Justice—its second such referral in recent weeks—for allegedly violating federal gender policies in school sports.
The controversy escalated after Rep. Laurel Libby (R-ME) called out a transgender athlete who won a girls’ track event at Greely High School. Her post went viral and sparked national debate—but led to her being censured by Maine Democrats and blocked from introducing new legislation.
Senator Susan Collins Responds: “We Must Protect Fairness”
U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has urged both sides to find common ground, stating she remains committed to defending federal funding for Maine, while also emphasizing the need to preserve fairness in women’s sports.
What This Means for Parents and Taxpayers
This case highlights a deeper conflict brewing across the country: Should states be forced to follow federal gender mandates, even if it jeopardizes fairness or local values?
Millions of American parents and grandparents—especially those concerned with girls’ athletics, school meal programs, and states’ rights—are watching closely.
Bottom Line
As the Biden administration continues to push aggressive gender policies, states like Maine are standing firm. And thanks to this recent court ruling, basic services for children and seniors won’t be used as political leverage.