Trump administration launches probe into Portland school district over trans student competing in girls’ track

Public school administrators in Portland, Oregon, are currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The probe stems from allegations that a transgender student-athlete participated in a girls’ track and field meet, potentially violating Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination.

The investigation targets both the Portland school district and the Oregon School Activities Association, which oversees high school sports statewide. The civil rights office alleges that the school district and the nonprofit allowed a transgender runner to compete in the girls’ division of a track meet on March 19, where the student took first place in two races. Additionally, concerns were raised about the student using the girls’ locker room during the event, potentially violating Title IX.

Letters were sent to Kimberly Armstrong, the superintendent of Portland Public Schools, and the activities association to inform them of the investigation. Specifically, the activities association’s “gender identity participation” policy is being scrutinized to determine if it conflicts with Title IX. The policy aims to provide opportunities for students to participate in sports according to their gender identity while maintaining fair standards for all participants.

The federal civil rights office initiated the investigation following a complaint accusing the school district and the activities association of allowing a transgender athlete to compete in the girls’ track and field division over the past two seasons. The complaint highlighted the student’s victories in the girls’ 200-meter and 400-meter races at an interscholastic championship meet in Portland in consecutive years.

Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized the importance of upholding antidiscrimination protections for women and girls under Title IX. The investigation aligns with President Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes, which has sparked debates over the inclusion of transgender athletes in gender-specific sports.

The activities association and the Portland school district have acknowledged the investigation and are cooperating with the Department of Education. Armstrong affirmed the district’s commitment to treating all students with dignity and respect while navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding transgender rights in sports.

As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding transgender inclusion in school sports. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the future of gender identity participation policies in athletic programs nationwide.