UPenn Revokes Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas’ Records Due To Trans Athlete Ban

UPenn Revokes Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas’ Records Due To Trans Athlete Ban

The University of Pennsylvania will retroactively revoke swimmer Lia Thomas’ records and titles following a deal with the Trump administration’s Education Department, which demanded compliance with bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports.

In 2022, Thomas made history as the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title. However, the administration threatened to withhold $175 million in federal funding unless the university reversed course.

“Today is a great victory for women and girls not only at the University of Pennsylvania, but all across our nation,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “We will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX’s proper application.”

Going forward, Penn will reassign awards given to trans athletes and prohibit athletes from competing based on gender identity.

“Our commitment to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment… is unwavering,” said university president J. Larry Jameson, while stressing compliance with federal rules. Athletic facilities will now be “strictly separated on the basis of sex,” Penn added.

Did the school go too far?