Federal Judge Rejects Maine Attorney's Motion Against DOJ in Title IX Lead Lawsuit

PORTLAND (WGME) — A federal judge has rejected a request from a local lawyer who sought the appointment of an independent prosecutor to examine the lead attorney from the Department of Justice involved in the lawsuit against Maine’s Department of Education.

Randy Creswell alleges that DOJ attorney Matthew Donnelly breached the ethical guidelines set forth by the Maine Bar through discriminatory practices based on gender identity toward Maine students.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a lawsuit earlier this month, alleging that Maine was breaching Title IX regulations by permitting transgender athletes to participate in female sporting events.

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Despite the motion being rejected, Creswell believes that submitting it may have been sufficient to send a message and inspire other private lawyers nationwide to submit comparable petitions.

We have the responsibility to observe what’s happening around us instead of staying quiet," Creswell stated. "I wasn’t scared to take action and submit a complaint independently, just as I did. After reviewing the complaint, I understood the bar regulations clearly. In my assessment, it was improper behavior, and according to the First Circuit Authority, any member of the legal community has the right to address such concerns. That’s exactly what I proceeded to do.

Officials from Maine, such as Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey, dismiss the allegations that the state is not adhering to Title IX regulations. They assert that Maine is complying with both state laws and federal statutes.