UPenn Revokes Lia Thomas’ Titles in Major Policy Shift on Women’s Sports
The University of Pennsylvania has decided to remove transgender swimmer Lia Thomas’ collegiate records and titles following a federal investigation. The decision comes as part of a settlement over allegations that the school violated Title IX by allowing Thomas, a transgender woman, to compete in women’s events and access female locker rooms.
As part of the agreement, the university will issue a formal apology to the female athletes affected by Thomas’ participation, restore the records and placements of the athletes who competed against her, and update its policies to align with a definition of gender based on biological sex.
The move follows new federal guidance that ties government funding to compliance with Title IX interpretations defining gender by birth sex. The updated rules bar transgender women from participating in women’s sports categories at federally funded institutions.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters say it protects fairness in women’s sports and upholds opportunities for female athletes, while critics argue that it erodes the rights of transgender individuals and reflects a politically driven rollback of inclusion policies.
This marks a significant shift in how colleges and athletic organizations may handle the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports going forward.
