UPenn Bans Trans Athletes From Women's Sports After Federal Civil Rights Probe

Former University of Pennsylvania female swimmers, including Monika Burzynska and Margot Kaczorowski, have spoken out about their experiences sharing locker rooms with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who previously competed on the men's team. Burzynska described feeling uncomfortable undressing near Thomas, often resorting to changing in corners, bathroom stalls, or waiting until Thomas was showering to change, citing concerns about privacy and safety. The University of Pennsylvania recently agreed to ban biological men from women's sports following a federal civil rights investigation, rescinded Thomas' titles and records, and apologized to female athletes, a decision praised by Burzynska as restoring fairness to women's sports. Burzynska also expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging compassion for transgender individuals while emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of women's athletics. These revelations highlight ongoing tensions and challenges faced by female athletes competing alongside transgender athletes in collegiate sports. The Trump administration's involvement in the UPenn policy reversal underscores the political dimension of the debate over transgender participation in women's athletics.