Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, has lost all her titles following new rules targeting transgender competitors. Amid a crackdown by the current administration, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) revoked her titles after a federal investigation and apologized to athletes who lost to her.
The NCAA changed its policy in February to limit women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth. UPenn’s president, J. Larry Jameson, acknowledged the previous rules disadvantaged some athletes and expressed commitment to compliance with federal and NCAA rules.
Some cisgender female athletes, including those in fencing and disc golf, have protested the ban, arguing these sports don’t offer gender-based advantages.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised UPenn’s decision as a victory for women and girls, promising continued enforcement of Title IX against sex-based discrimination.