July 06, 2025

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UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case

UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case

Summary

The University of Pennsylvania changed several swimming records set by Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, to settle a federal civil rights case. The agreement involves restoring records to female athletes who competed against Thomas and involves apologies to those affected.

Key Facts

  • Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer, set records while competing for the University of Pennsylvania.
  • The U.S. Education Department investigated Penn for allegedly infringing on female athletes' rights.
  • Penn agreed to change records to reflect female athletes as record holders instead of Thomas.
  • The university will send apology letters to female athletes who were affected by Thomas' participation.
  • The school will not allow males to participate in female athletic events, based on a "biology-based" definition.
  • The NCAA now limits women’s sports competition to those assigned female at birth.
  • Penn stated it has always complied with NCAA and Title IX rules, which guide sports participation.

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