Education Secretary warns Minnesota of ‘impending enforcement action’ over transgender policies allowing boys in girls’ sports, spaces

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is keeping the pressure on Minnesota, issuing a letter Monday of “impending enforcement action” for ongoing civil rights violations related to the state’s transgender policies.

“@GovTimWalz continues to put ideology above common sense and dignity,” McMahon posted on X. “Today, we notified him and the MNDOE if they do not reverse course, this case will be recommended for enforcement action.”

The state has 10 days to reach an agreement with the federal Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights or face consequences, which could include “to suspend, terminate, or refuse to grant” federal funding.

The federal government has sued states including California and Maine for refusing to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders concerning gender and keeping boys out of girls’ sports, which he signed shortly after taking office.

Schools that allow boys in girls’ sports and private spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms are violating Title IX, the federal law which prevents discrimination on the basis of sex.

The Biden administration had redefined “sex” in Title IX to include so-called gender identity, but Trump restored the original meaning to biological sex. However, blue states including Minnesota have defied the Trump administration, leading to investigations and possible punishment.

In her letter, McMahon noted the state had failed to meet various deadlines to agree to end the violations. Minnesota’s own education department indicated last week it wouldn’t accept the Civil Rights office’s correction plan, and the State High School League, which supervises athletics, hasn’t responded to requests in September and early December, leading to McMahon’s letter.

Last week, McMahon sent a strongly worded note to Gov. Tim Walz, calling on him to resign over a massive fraud scandal in the state that could amount to billions of dollars in stolen payments and benefits.

“You have been Minnesota’s governor since 2019,” McMahon wrote to the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee. “During that time, your careless lack of oversight and abuse of the welfare system has attracted fraudsters from around the world, especially from Somalia, to establish a beachhead of criminality in our country.”