The University of Pennsylvania announced on July 1, 2025, that it will ban transgender female athletes from competing in women’s sports. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive orders and has sparked considerable backlash from LGBTQ activists and legal experts who argue it is unconstitutional.
The announcement follows a civil rights complaint by the Department of Education, which required the Ivy League school to adhere to its interpretation of Title IX. This landmark civil rights law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. Previously, the Trump administration suspended $175 million in federal contracts awarded to Penn due to the participation of openly transgender athlete Lia Thomas in the women’s swimming team during the 2021-2022 season.
LGBTQ and Legal Community Response
Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, criticized the university’s decision. “It’s embarrassing, dangerous, and ill-advised. I think they made a very big mistake that they will come to regret,” Minter told ABC News. He described the situation as “extortion,” with the federal government threatening to withhold funding unless the university complied.
As part of the agreement, Penn will adhere to two of President Trump’s executive orders, which the White House claims defend women from “gender ideology extremism.” The university must also strip Thomas of her swimming awards and send an apology letter to female swimmers who competed against her. Additionally, student-athlete facilities will be segregated by sex.
Legal Implications and Expert Opinions
Minter further elaborated on the legal ramifications, stating, “Legally, it makes no sense. The Trump administration’s position is that Penn somehow did something wrong by following the law as recognized by federal courts and the Department of Education at the time.” He argued that the administration’s retroactive punishment is “outlandish.”
In a letter to the school community, University of Pennsylvania President Dr. J. Larry Jameson stated, “Our commitment to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all of our students is unwavering. At the same time, we must comply with federal requirements, including executive orders, and NCAA eligibility rules.”
Federal Government’s Stance
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised Penn’s decision as a “common-sense” victory for women and girls. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, UPenn has agreed to apologize for its past Title IX violations and ensure that women’s sports are protected,” McMahon said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, expressed hope that Penn’s decision would encourage other institutions to protect women’s civil rights. “This Administration does not just pay lip service to women’s equality: it vigorously insists on that equality being upheld,” she stated.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The decision has broader implications as state bans on transgender students participating in girls’ and women’s sports have become contentious issues nationwide. On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear appeals from two states seeking to uphold such laws. These cases will determine whether the Constitution and the Civil Rights Act prohibit bans based on an athlete’s sex assigned at birth.
Naiymah Sanchez, senior organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, expressed concern that other universities might follow Penn’s lead. “The anti-trans movement is building power among those who are ignorant and those who believe removing these individuals will improve their lives,” Sanchez said.
According to Sanchez, “There’s nothing that the University of Pennsylvania did that was unlawful. It followed standard guidelines.” She highlighted that out of over 500,000 student athletes competing at the college level, fewer than 10 were transgender, based on testimony from then-NCAA President Charlie Baker.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear these pivotal cases, the landscape for transgender athletes in educational institutions hangs in the balance. The outcome could have significant repercussions for how gender identity is treated under U.S. law.
In the meantime, Penn’s decision has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of sports, gender identity, and civil rights, with many watching closely to see how this complex issue unfolds.
