On Friday, February 6, 2026, FOX23 reported that prosecutors filed a motion questioning whether two judges assigned to a Title IX case against Maine should recuse themselves.
The case involves a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, which accuses Maine of violating Title IX. The lawsuit argues that allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports denies “biological girls” a level playing field.
The Maine Department of Education disputes the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title IX. The department claims it is following state law, specifically the Maine Human Rights Act, which protects transgender athletes.
According to court documents, the district judge and magistrate judge assigned to the case disclosed potential conflicts of interest late last month. These same two judges recused themselves from a previous case last year. That case involved Maine lawmaker Laurel Libby suing House Speaker Ryan Fecteau after Libby was censured for posting a photo of and identifying a transgender minor online.
Prosecutors have noted similar overlaps between the recusal in the Libby case and the current Title IX case, raising questions about the judges’ impartiality. The US Attorney’s Office is now questioning whether the judges should recuse themselves from the Title IX lawsuit between the Trump administration and the Maine Department of Education.
The outcome of the motion could significantly impact the progression and resolution of the Title IX case.
Source: FOX23
