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FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday that the University of Pennsylvania has entered into a resolution with President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at excluding biological male transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. This announcement was made in a statement that was provided to Fox News Digital.
The Education Department initiated an investigation into UPenn on February 6 regarding potential Title IX violations linked to the university’s swimming program. Transgender athlete Lia Thomas participated in competitions for the women’s team during the 2021-22 season, following her prior experience on the men’s team.
According to the Department of Education, UPenn’s agreement stipulates a series of actions to align with the values articulated in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon credited President Trump for facilitating this resolution.
McMahon expressed her views, stating, “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, UPenn has agreed both to apologize for its past Title IX violations and to ensure that women’s sports are protected at the University for future generations of female athletes.” She added that the university’s actions represent a significant victory not only for UPenn but for women and girls across the nation.
The Department commended UPenn for addressing its previous infractions against women and girls, vowing to continue its efforts to protect and enforce Title IX comprehensive.
Former UPenn swimmer Paula Scanlan, who was among the first from Thomas’ team to voice concerns, expressed her gratitude for the administration’s commitment to women’s rights.
“I am deeply grateful to the Trump administration for standing firm in protecting women and girls and restoring our rightful accolades,” Scanlan stated. She viewed the resolution as a critical step toward mending the past mistreatment of female athletes and promoting a future where discrimination based on sex is eradicated.
Scanlan is not alone in her sentiments. Several other former teammates of Thomas have also made their voices heard. Following the same trajectory, three additional former UPenn swimmers filed a lawsuit against the university on February 5, the same day Trump enacted the executive order ensuring the exclusion of men from women’s sports.
This lawsuit requested the retraction and redistribution of Thomas’ accolades to those female swimmers who competed against her. Moreover, it alleges that university officials suggested any female swimmer opposed to Thomas’ participation needed psychological assistance and were redirected to the university’s LGBTQ center for support.
In a decisive move reflecting the Trump administration’s stance, the federal government froze $175 million in funding for UPenn on March 20. Subsequently, on April 28, the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights announced its findings, concluding that UPenn had indeed violated Title IX in its handling of the situation surrounding Thomas.
The events surrounding Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships are deemed a pivotal moment in the national discourse regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. At that time, Riley Gaines, a notable activist in the conservative sphere, was a dental student who faced Thomas in competition. Their encounter ultimately ended in a tie, which Gaines labeled as an inequitable situation.
Since that championship event, Gaines has emerged as a leading figure advocating against the inclusion of transgender women in female sports, a movement she attributes to her personal experiences against Thomas in 2022.
Gaines reflected on the impact of the situation, suggesting that she would express appreciation to Thomas for raising awareness about these issues. According to her, this awareness has had significant political ramifications in upcoming elections.
“I think we should send a thank-you note to people like Will Thomas, I really do,” stated Gaines. She emphasized that Thomas’ involvement has contributed to the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections.
Gaines pointed to broader concerns with the current administration but suggested that the visual representation of the controversy surrounding transgender athletes has resonated with many voters. She likened it to a microcosm of larger issues regarding equality and rights.
A recent national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America revealed notable insights regarding voter sentiment towards transgender policies. The poll indicated that 70% of moderate voters viewed Trump’s opposition to the inclusion of transgender boys and men in sports as a significant issue. Furthermore, 6% identified it as the most pressing issue, while 44% deemed it very important.
Efforts to reach UPenn and Thomas’ designated representatives for comments yielded no response.
Reporting and accountability are critical in today’s discourse. The ongoing developments around UPenn and its policies on women’s sports highlight a broader movement that intertwines sports, education, and social justice. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and policymakers, will closely monitor how these policies evolve and their implications for future generations of athletes.
