UPenn Violates Title IX, Faces $1 Billion Federal Funding Risk

The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights found that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) violated Title IX by allowing biological males, including transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, to compete in women's sports and access women-only facilities. The federal government has given UPenn ten days to comply with a resolution agreement or risk losing millions in federal funding and possible referral to the Department of Justice. The agreement requires UPenn to issue a public statement pledging Title IX compliance, restore accolades and records to female athletes who lost them to male competitors, and send apology letters to affected athletes. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor stated that this action is intended to protect female athletes and ensure equal opportunities. UPenn has not yet responded to requests regarding whether it intends to comply with these demands.