UPenn Bans Trans Women, Restores Swimming Records

The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban transgender women from its women's sports teams after a federal investigation found it violated Title IX by allowing transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete and use female-only facilities. Under the agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Penn will restore Division I swimming records and titles to female athletes who lost to Thomas and issue personalized apology letters. The university must also adopt biology-based definitions of male and female, publicly affirm compliance with Title IX, and ensure only biological females compete in women's programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the case as a victory for women and girls and highlighted the Trump administration's enforcement role. It remains unclear whether Thomas will be stripped of her remaining awards and honors. Penn is required to update its policies and issue statements aligning with the new eligibility rules.