WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a sweeping move set to reshape the national conversation on gender and athletics, the University of Pennsylvania has reportedly agreed to revoke swimming titles awarded to transgender athlete Lia Thomas, following a controversial directive from the Trump-aligned U.S. Department of Education.
The action stems from an investigation by the Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which concluded that UPenn violated Title IX by allowing a “biological male to compete in female sports and access female-only intimate facilities.” The case has sent ripples through the collegiate sports world and reignited political debate across the country.
“Today’s resolution agreement with UPenn is yet another example of the Trump effect in action,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who led the review. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, UPenn has agreed both to apologize for its past Title IX violations and to ensure women’s sports are protected for future generations of female athletes.”
As part of the agreement, the Ivy League university will also issue formal apologies to female athletes who competed against Thomas, and adopt “biology-based” definitions of sex moving forward. This includes preventing transgender women from competing in female athletic divisions or using female locker rooms.
The decision was met with praise by some former athletes.
“As a former UPenn swimmer who had to compete against and share a locker room with a male athlete, I am deeply grateful,” said Paula Scanlan, a vocal advocate for women’s sports. “My alma mater has finally taken not just the lawful path, but the honorable one.”
Riley Gaines, former University of Kentucky swimmer and outspoken critic of trans inclusion in women’s sports, added: “I hope today’s decision sends a message to all schools — trampling women’s civil rights will no longer be tolerated.”
Lia Thomas, who made history in 2022 as the first openly transgender NCAA champion, has yet to respond publicly to the decision. Her case has been the flashpoint in a national debate over fairness, identity, and inclusion in sports.
Legal analysts expect challenges to the decision, with civil rights advocates warning it could lead to a wave of exclusions and legal battles.
Still, for the Trump-aligned Department of Education and its supporters, the ruling is being heralded as a watershed moment.
“This is about fairness,” said McMahon. “The future of women’s sports — and indeed the integrity of Title IX — depends on it.”
