UPenn Bars Trans Athletes from Women’s Sports After Trump Administration Pressure

 

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has agreed to bar transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports and has removed records set by trans swimmer Lia Thomas following a resolution with the US Department of Education. The decision concludes a federal civil rights investigation prompted by concerns over transgender participation in women’s collegiate athletics. Lia Thomas, a trans woman who transitioned in 2018 and began hormone therapy in 2019, made history in 2022 by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I title. She also set school records in five women’s swimming events. Her participation sparked national debate, with LGBTQ advocates celebrating her achievements while critics questioned the fairness of her inclusion in women’s sports. UPenn President Larry Jameson acknowledged the impact of past NCAA eligibility rules on student athletes and apologized to those who may have experienced disadvantages. He confirmed that the university would update its record books to reflect current rules, which restrict participation in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth. The agreement follows a determination by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights that UPenn violated Title Nine by allowing male born athletes to compete in women’s sports and access women only facilities. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the resolution as a major win for women and girls and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcing Title Nine protections. This development adds to a growing number of restrictions on trans participation in sports since former President Donald Trump returned to office in January. In March, World Athletics introduced mandatory DNA testing for female competitors to confirm biological sex. A recent New York Times Ipsos poll found that public opposition to trans women in female sports has risen sharply, with 79 percent of respondents now against it.

See also: US Pauses Some Missile Shipments to Ukraine Due to Low Stockpiles