Justice Department Sues Minnesota Over Transgender Policies in Girls' Sports and Private Spaces

Northeast Radio SD News – Minneapolis, MN - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Minnesota on Monday, March 30, 2026, alleging that the state’s policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in female sports violate Title IX.

The lawsuit targets both the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), arguing that current practices deny biological female athletes fair competition and compromise their privacy in “intimate spaces”.

Allegations of Title IX Violations

The 45-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, asserts that the state has engaged in intentional sex-based discrimination. Federal officials argue that by requiring girls to compete against biological males and allowing those individuals access to female-only locker rooms and bathrooms, the state has created a “hostile educational environment”.

“The Trump Administration does not tolerate flawed state policies that ignore biological reality and unfairly undermine girls on the playing field,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that Minnesota’s actions deny female athletes “their hard-earned trophies, records, dignity, and safety”.

The Case of Champlin Park High School

To illustrate the alleged impact of these policies, the DOJ highlighted a 2025 incident involving a transgender pitcher on the Champlin Park High School girls’ varsity softball team. The lawsuit notes that the athlete helped lead the team to a 6-0 victory in a state championship game, which the Department cites as an example of biological differences creating an unfair competitive advantage.

Financial Stakes and Federal Mandates

The lawsuit emphasizes that the Minnesota Department of Education receives more than $3 billion annually in federal funding from the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding is legally contingent upon compliance with Title IX.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. warned that schools accepting federal money must protect the rights and safety of female students, stating, “We will not allow girls to be denied equal opportunity and basic privacy”.

Minnesota’s Response

Minnesota officials have signaled they will fight the federal challenge. Attorney General Keith Ellison dismissed the lawsuit as a “sad attempt to get attention,” noting that the state has been in litigation over this issue for months.

Minnesota previously filed a preemptive lawsuit in April 2025, arguing that the Minnesota Human Rights Act protects transgender students and supersedes federal executive orders. That case remains pending as a federal judge considers a government motion to dismiss.

National Legal Battle

This lawsuit is part of a broader push by the administration to enforce a specific interpretation of Title IX that focuses on biological sex rather than gender identity. Similar legal actions have been initiated against Maine and California, while threats of federal funding cuts have been directed at universities, including San Jose State and the University of Pennsylvania.

At a Glance: The DOJ Lawsuit

·         Date Filed: March 30, 2026

·         Primary Defendants: Minnesota Dept. of Education & High School League

·         Key Claim: Violation of Title IX regarding sports fairness and locker room privacy

·         Potential Penalty: Loss of $3 billion in annual federal funding