I want to thank Sen. Susan Collins for taking a principled stand and siding with the Trump administration on the issue of Title IX. The ongoing conflict between how the Mills administration and the federal government interpret Title IX must be resolved. I strongly agree with the federal government’s position: biological males should not compete in girls’ and women’s athletics.

Title IX was created to ensure equal opportunity for women and girls in sports and education. That intent is undermined when biological males are allowed to compete in female athletic competitions. Such policies not only threaten the fairness of competition but also jeopardize the integrity and purpose of Title IX itself.

Let me be clear: individuals who are transgender deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This is not about exclusion or discrimination, it’s about preserving fairness and the original legislative intent of Title IX, which is rooted in biological sex, not gender identity.

Safe, fair and competitive athletics have been central to the success of Title IX for over 50 years. We should not abandon those principles now. I appreciate Sen. Collins for having the courage to speak up and support this position, even when it’s politically difficult.

While I will continue to advocate strongly for federal resources for Maine, I believe the Mills administration’s stance is misguided. Title IX protections must be preserved, and I stand with Sen. Collins in defending them.

Marcus Emerson
Augusta