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Dhillon announces lawsuit to protect women athletes
The lawsuit targets Minnesota’s school sports policy allowing transgender participation in girls’ teams.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 31, Mar 2026
- 15:00 EDT
- 10
Harmeet Dhillon / X/ Harmeet Dhillon
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced a new lawsuit against Minnesota on March 31 accusing the state of denying female athletes equal opportunities under federal law.
The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, targets the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League over policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
Also Read: Dhillon opens probes into California's women prisons
Federal officials argue the policy violates Title IX, the law that bars sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding, and are asking the court to block the state from enforcing it.
As we close out Women’s History Month, @CivilRights is proud to announce a new lawsuit against MN for violating Title IX.
— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) March 30, 2026
This Dept. of Justice remains committed to standing up for women, backed by strong female leadership from @AGPamBondi. I’m proud to be part of that mission! pic.twitter.com/G5bObpUkoC
In a post on X, Dhillon said the Civil Rights Division was “proud to announce a new lawsuit against MN for violating Title IX,” adding that the department “remains committed to standing up for women” under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In a video statement released at the close of Women’s History Month, Dhillon said the department’s work is rooted in “equal dignity, equal protection, and equal opportunity under the law,” and described the Minnesota case as part of a wider enforcement push to protect women and girls.
“What better way to end Women’s History Month than by suing the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League,” Dhillon said, accusing the state of requiring girls to compete against boys in sports and permitting access to female-only spaces such as locker rooms and bathrooms.
Minnesota officials have pushed back, defending the state’s policy as consistent with protections for transgender students. Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state would continue to defend its position, setting up a broader legal clash between federal authorities and Democratic-led states over gender identity and school athletics.
Dhillon also pointed to the division’s broader women’s rights work, citing Fair Housing Act cases involving alleged sexual harassment of female tenants, action against California over girls’ sports policies, and federal investigations into abuse and unsafe conditions affecting incarcerated women.
“No matter the setting – a home, a school, a sports field, or a prison – the DOJ’s mission is unwavering to enforce the law without fear or favor,” Dhillon said.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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