Trump Administration Freezing Funding for University of Pennsylvania Due to Transgender Swimmer
The University of Pennsylvania is having approximately $175 million in federal funding frozen by the Trump Administration due to its decision during the 2021-22 season to allow transgender athlete Lia Thomas compete as a member of the school’s women’s program. Thomas, who formerly competed for the Penn men’s program, won the 500-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Championships.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order early in his second term that banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. This most recent decision targeting the University of Pennsylvania, however, is related to competition from nearly three years ago. At the time Thomas competed for the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas’ participation was within the rules established by the NCAA.
“It is important to note, however, that Penn has always followed NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams,” spokesperson Ron Ozio said. “We have been in the past, and remain today, in full compliance with the regulations that apply to not only Penn, but all of our NCAA and Ivy League peer institutions.”
During Thomas’ season as a member of the Penn women’s team, Swimming World covered the storyline closely, and took the stance that Thomas’ involvement in a women’s sport, after going through male puberty, resulted in an unfair playing field.
The fact that the Trump Administration is freezing funding for Penn nearly three years after the conclusion of Thomas’ career can be described as a retaliatory act.