A Long Island school district is being probed by the Trump administration for letting a biological boy try out for the girls’ volleyball team, sources told The Post.
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is one of 18 school districts or colleges across the country that is currently being investigated over its policies regarding transgender participation in sports, the US Department of Education announced earlier this week.
The Long Island investigation specifically zeroes in on complaints that one of the three high schools in the district had allowed a volleyball player, who was born biologically male, to trial for the girls’ team, the sources said.
It wasn’t immediately clear when the student tried out for the team.
The district, which covers the hamlets of Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick and North Merrick, oversees three high schools.
Officials haven’t confirmed which school is at the center of the federal probe but the district insisted it had always acted in compliance with the state’s policies.
“The Bellmore-Merrick Central HS District has always focused on supporting all students, respecting due process, and fulfilling its legal obligations,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“At all times the district acted in full compliance with all laws and regulations. Bellmore-Merrick has followed the guidance and legal framework governing New York State public schools issued by the NYS Education Department.”
New York City’s Department of Education and a slew of other schools and colleges were also being investigated, according to federal officials. It wasn’t clear if there were specific allegations being leveled against the city DOE.
The inquiries were all instigated by the department’s Office for Civil Rights following complaints the educations institutions had all allegedly violated Title IX by allowing trans students to compete in female sport categories.
“Time and again, the Trump Administration has made its position clear: violations of women’s rights, dignity, and fairness are unacceptable,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said.
“We will leave no stone unturned in these investigations to uphold women’s right to equal access in education programs — a fight that started over half a century ago and is far from finished.”
Meanwhile, other Long Island education bigwigs and officials were quick to laude the investigation.
“The Trump Administration and US Department of Education are right to enforce federal law and protect girls’ sports,” Kerry Wachter, the board of education president in nearby Massapequa district, said.
“In Massapequa, we’ve stood firm in protecting our boys and girls, and every parent across the state should demand the same from their school boards.”