Paula Scanlan Critiques UPenn’s Donation Requests Amid Funding Controversy

Paula Scanlan Critiques UPenn’s Donation Requests Amid Funding Controversy

Paula Scanlan, a former swimmer for the University of Pennsylvania and a recognized conservative voice, recently expressed her amusement in response to a donation request from her alma mater. This request arrived on the same day the Trump administration announced a pause on $175 million in federal funding for the university. The timing of the call and the funding news caught her attention, prompting a witty response.

Scanlan, who was part of the UPenn women’s swimming team during the 2021-22 season, was among the female athletes who shared locker room facilities with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Since then, she has been vocal about the implications of this experience for herself and her teammates. When interviewed by Fox News Digital, she noted the ironic coincidence of receiving a donation request shortly after the funding pause was announced.

“They always call me, and they call all alums. Obviously, I’m not interested in donating any money. I don’t think I would ever even consider that until I am given an apology about being forced to undress in front of a man in the locker room three times a week,” Scanlan shared with frustration.

She further pointed out that the last communication from UPenn seeking donations came via email in February. Scanlan questioned the university’s financial motives, suggesting that their repeated outreach for donations indicated a pressing need for cash.

While Scanlan remains firm in her stance against supporting the university without an apology, her criticisms extend beyond personal grievances. She voiced her concerns about the academic programs offered at UPenn, labeling many as “useless degrees” that burden students with significant debt for questionable career prospects. In her view, schools must reevaluate what they offer if they want to earn alumni support.

“University of Pennsylvania has 150 plus unique things that you can major in. I think that we are looking at mass departments that are completely useless degrees.”, Scanlan stated. She emphasized that university improvements should extend not just to UPenn but to institutions nationwide.

Too often, universities have faced scrutiny over equitable treatment and opportunities for female athletes, especially in light of policies regarding transgender participation in sports. Scanlan’s concerns have positioned her as a critic of societal trends she believes are undermining female athletes’ rights and dignity. For her, this issue is personal.

Scanlan is not alone in her criticisms. Former teammates also voicing their concerns, including Grace Estabrook, shared their desire to see all of Thomas’s records in the women’s category revoked. She described the university’s acknowledgment of the funding violations as a step in the right direction; however, she underscored the need for further accountability. Estabrook stated that real change requires clear policy revisions, ensuring historical records and accolades belong to those who truly deserve them.

In July 2023, Scanlan testified alongside athlete Riley Gaines before members of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. Their testimonies aimed to highlight the emotional toll that policies affecting transgender athletes impose on women in sports.

Following the recent federal funding pause, Scanlan expressed cautious optimism. “I think that it’s obviously a good thing, it’s a good message to send,” she remarked. However, she maintains that it represents only a small step toward much-needed reforms. Scanlan believes that, while the funding cuts may lead to administrative changes, they are unlikely to fundamentally address the underlying issues regarding faculty hiring practices and academic ideology.

As discussions around accountability continue, Scanlan and her former teammates have taken legal action to challenge the legitimacy of records held by transgender athletes in women’s sports. They argue their experiences and rights as female athletes were compromised under existing university policies.

“We are so glad that universities are beginning to see that there is a cost to openly harming female students on their campuses and we hope the pressure only increases,” read a joint statement from teammates Margot Kaczorowski and Ellen Holmquist, both supporting the notion that universities must be responsible for their actions toward female athletes.

These athletes assert that policies allowing transgender participation in women’s sports have led to significant violations of Title IX rights, which were designed to protect women’s opportunities in educational settings.

The nationwide dialogue on this issue highlights the tension between inclusivity in sports and the preservation of women’s rights and safety. With universities at the crossroads of these discussions, Scanlan and her allies hope to promote a reevaluation of current policies that they argue disadvantage female athletes.

Fox News Digital has made attempts to reach UPenn for a formal comment regarding these allegations and donation requests, but there has been no response as of yet. As the conversation around university policies and funding progresses, it remains clear that alumni sentiments are shifting, reflecting broader societal changes.

A New Era of Accountability and Change

The recent developments at UPenn highlight the pressing need for universities to navigate the complexities of policy changes while ensuring equitable opportunities for all their athletes. As Paula Scanlan continues to voice her concerns and advocate for change, the impact of her efforts suggests a potential shift in the landscape of women’s sports.

Changes in funding dynamics, academic priorities, and institutional accountability will be paramount in shaping the future of collegiate athletics.

Ultimately, the outcome of these conversations may inspire similar movements across campuses throughout the country, paving the way for a renewed commitment to protecting women’s rights within sports and academic institutions.