A notice sent recently to Maine officials by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services accused the state of breaking federal law by “allowing male athletes to compete against female athletes in current and future athletic events.

Maine leaders are responding to a federal ruling that found the state violated Title IX laws by allowing transgender athletes to compete on girls' and women's sports teams. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights issued a notice stating their agency found that the Maine Department of Education's policy denies student-athletes' equal opportunities.

On Feb. 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a notice of violation against the Maine Department of Education.