Rep. Yunker: Demand OSAA compliance

By State Representatives Dwayne Yunker and Ed Diehl 
March 18, 2025

Today Representatives Dwayne Yunker (R-Grants Pass) and Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) responded to yesterday’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Title IX ruling against the Maine Department of Education. HHS ruled that Maine violated Title IX by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. This ruling sets a clear precedent: schools and athletic organizations that ignore federal law risk consequences.

Yet, in Oregon, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) continues to defy Title IX protections for female athletes. Last month, after President Trump signed an executive order reinforcing these protections, Representatives Yunker and Diehl demanded that OSAA comply with federal law—or risk losing federal education funding. OSAA President Peter Weber has not responded to the Representatives’ letter. The Oregon Department of Education is budgeting $1,579,264,110 of federal funds for the 2025-27 biennium.

“How long will OSAA continue to stall?” Representative Yunker asked. “We’ve asked them directly when they will follow the law, and they’re still hiding behind the excuse that they are seeking ‘legal advice’ from Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Maine just got caught violating Title IX—Oregon could be next.”

“This is not just about safety—it’s about fairness,” said Representative Diehl. “Forcing girls to compete against biological males robs them of scholarships, opportunities, and a level playing field.”

The lawmakers are calling on OSAA to act immediately. If not, Oregon could face the same fate as Maine—found in violation of federal law and at risk of losing education funding.

“We will not back down,” Representative Yunker said. “Women’s sports exist for a reason. We will fight to protect them.”