UPenn Allows Trans Athlete to Compete in Women’s Team
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has agreed to let Swimalia Thomas, a well-known trans athlete, participate on the women’s team and issued an apology over a Title IX violation.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Department of Education shared that the university had entered into a “resolution agreement” to comply with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment.
The Department explained that UPenn “restores the perception that female athletes should compete in the female category” and that individual Division I swimming records and titles should not be misapplied by male athletes.
Additionally, UPenn stated that they have “sent personalized letters of apology to the affected female swimmers” to align with Title IX, affirming that no biological males will compete in women’s sports, accompanied by an official statement to the university community.
A former swimmer from UPenn expressed gratitude for the rejection of the previous administration’s stance, noting the importance of recognizing and respecting women’s and girls’ sports. She stated she is pleased that her alma mater has chosen a path of honor.
Previously reported, in March, the Trump administration suspended $175 million in funding to UPenn and other educational institutions that included biological males in women’s sports. This funding suspension was pending an investigation into the university’s alleged Title IX violations.
The ongoing investigation into UPenn’s compliance with Title IX could potentially jeopardize the school’s federal funding, which totaled around $1 billion in 2024.
Women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines remarked that from the beginning, President Trump and Secretary McMahon pledged to protect women and girls, highlighting that the agreement with UPenn is a significant step in fulfilling that promise. She emphasized that this administration supports genuine equality for women.
In February, President Trump enacted an executive order aimed at safeguarding women’s sports from transgender athletes, including various measures and a revision of Title IX Education Rules intended to impact funding for schools permitting trans athletes in women’s competitions.
