Public school administrators in Portland, Oregon, are now facing a federal civil rights investigation after allowing a biologically male student to win several girls’ track and field events.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights announced the probe on Tuesday, citing possible Title IX violations.
The investigation targets Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), a nonprofit that oversees high school sports across the state.
At issue is the participation of a transgender athlete in a girls’ competition on March 19, where the student placed first in two races, raising concerns about fairness and the integrity of women’s sports.
The same student won the same two races last year as well.
Title IX Concerns Over Biological Male Competing in Girls’ Sports
The Department of Education is examining whether allowing the transgender athlete to compete in the girls’ division undermines Title IX, a federal law designed to protect women from sex-based discrimination.
Additionally, officials are looking into whether the student’s use of the girls’ locker room during the event violates federal statutes.
“We will not allow the Portland Public Schools District or any other educational entity that receives federal funds to trample on the antidiscrimination protections that women and girls are guaranteed under law,” said Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights.
“OCR will use every lawful means to ensure that no female athlete is denied equal athletic opportunities or robbed of her rightful accolades.”
The civil rights office confirmed it sent letters to Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberly Armstrong and the OSAA, informing them of the investigation.
The office is specifically reviewing OSAA’s “gender identity participation” policy to determine whether it aligns with federal law.
OSAA has defended its policy, claiming it ensures “harmony and fair competition” by allowing students to participate in sports based on their gender identity.
Superintendent Armstrong confirmed the district is cooperating with the investigation but insisted Portland schools comply with Oregon state law.
“I stand firm in our legal responsibilities, and I deeply value every student’s right to be treated with dignity, safety, and respect,” Armstrong said. She acknowledged that state policies may “differ from federal guidance” but remained committed to supporting transgender students.
Trump Administration’s Title IX Stance Sparks Renewed Action
The investigation comes just weeks after President Trump’s executive order reaffirming that federal law will recognize only two sexes—male and female. His administration has made safeguarding women’s sports a key priority, reversing the radical gender policies implemented under Biden.
Trump campaigned on protecting women’s athletics from what he called the “destruction of fairness” caused by biological males competing in female sports. His administration’s latest actions signal that the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to cases where female athletes are forced to compete on an uneven playing field.
Probing? Investigating? What?
Did this individual compete or not?
If so, the school disregarded the President’s order.
THERE! I’m finished investigating. The “probe” is complete, and it required no federal funds.
IF the fruitcake ran…the school is guilty. Period.
Quit referring to men pretending to be female as transgender! There are two genders…
MALE and FEMALE! Only lunatics think a man defining HIMself as a female is something other than a man. Even if he tries to surgically transform his body into something it is not. These MEN need psychiatric care NOT removal of HIS male body parts…