UPenn Revisions on Swimming Achievements Address Federal Settlement on Transgender Participation

Swimmers, including Lia Thomas in lane 4, dived into the pool at the start of a qualifying heat for the Ivy League Women's Swimming and Diving Championships held at Harvard University on February 18, 2022, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Acknowledgment of Transgender Athlete Participation

On Tuesday, the University of Pennsylvania took steps to amend several swimming records previously held by transgender athlete Lia Thomas. The university also pledged to apologize to female athletes affected by her involvement on the women’s swimming team. This move was part of fulfilling a resolution concerning a federal civil rights case.

Federal Inquiry and Voluntary Agreement

This agreement was reached in collaboration with the U.S. Education Department, centering on high-profile athlete Thomas, known for winning an NCAA Division I title as the first openly transgender athlete while competing for the Ivy League in 2022.

Outcome and Obligations Under Settlement

The federal investigation determined that UPenn, part of a broader initiative aimed at excluding transgender athletes from women’s sports, had neglected the rights of its female competitors. As a result, UPenn must return all individual records and titles to those female athletes who lost to Thomas and provide them personalized apologies.

The university’s website now reflects other athletes listed with top times in Thomas's events, with a clarification that Lia Thomas set records under the legal rules in place during the 2021-22 season.

Institutional Changes and Compliance

Despite adhering to NCAA guidelines during the 2021-2022 swimming season, Penn President J. Larry Jameson acknowledged the disadvantage faced by some student-athletes. The institution plans to apologize to those impacted by anxiety or competition disadvantages. Future policies will ensure males do not participate in female sports programs under biology-based gender definitions.

Jameson emphasized Penn's compliance with NCAA and Title IX regulations and their commitment to a respectful environment for all students. However, the school will follow federal and sports governance decisions to maintain regulatory adherence, particularly in competitive sports.

Federal and University Officials' Responses

Education Secretary Linda McMahon recognized the settlement as a triumph for women and girls, appreciating UPenn's actions toward rectifying past injustices towards female athletes. Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines publicly thanked former President Donald Trump for his stance on social media.

In February, the investigation by the Education Department concluded with the determination that UPenn violated Title IX, prompting the need for a settlement to avoid further legal ramifications or potential federal funding cuts.

Further outreach by the Education Department to the NCAA and National Federation of State High School Associations was made, requesting the restoration of titles allegedly misappropriated by male athletes competing as females in school sports.