Maine sues USDA over funding freeze affecting children’s nutrition

In April 2025, the state of Maine filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following a decision to freeze federal funding. This action was taken after the USDA assessed that Maine failed to comply with Title IX regulations regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports. Maine’s Attorney General, Aaron Frey, characterized the funding freeze as an unlawful move aimed at coercing the state into conforming to federal mandates undermining the state's policies. The USDA had announced that the funding halt would significantly impact essential programs designed to feed children and disabled adults in congregate settings. Frey argued that the funds, necessary for school meals and after-school programs, were being withheld despite the state compliant with federal educational standards. The controversy intensified when Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins communicated that Maine must agree to protect female athletes' rights before the funds could be restored. The legal battle sparked wider discussions on parental rights in educational settings related to children's gender identity and the compliance of Maine schools with state laws. A specific case highlighted involved concerns over a child's transition without parental consent, leading to full investigations by the U.S. Department of Education into the practices of Maine schools that may be circumventing parental involvement in such critical matters. The case has drawn national attention, raising questions about the extent of federal authority in state education policies. As the dispute escalated, Maine officials prepared for a protracted legal confrontation, asserting their right to govern educational policies based on state laws. State leaders emphasized that schools are required by law to maintain equal opportunities for all students, and the lawsuit sought to challenge the legality of the funding freeze while asserting that federal actions should not undermine state governance and parental rights in education. A decision on the temporary restraining order sought by Frey could set a significant precedent for how Title IX is interpreted and enforced in relation to transgender inclusion in sports.