The Trump administration has paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) over its policies allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. This decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month, which prohibits transgender women and girls from competing in female sports at institutions receiving federal funding. The administration claims that UPenn’s policies force women to compete against men, creating an unfair disadvantage.
The controversy surrounding UPenn’s policies is not new. In 2022, transgender athlete Lia Thomas made headlines when they competed on the university’s women’s swim team and won an NCAA championship. Thomas, who transitioned during their collegiate career, faced significant backlash from former swimmers who argued that their inclusion in women’s competitions was unfair, leading to a lawsuit against the university. Among the most vocal critics was former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been a leading advocate for protecting women’s sports. Gaines has consistently spoken out against policies that she believes undermine fairness in competition, calling for stronger protections for female athletes.
This latest move is part of a broader political and legal battle over the participation of transgender athletes in sports. While some states have taken steps to ensure fairness for female athletes by restricting transgender participation in women’s sports, others have yet to implement clear protections. The issue remains a major point of debate, with growing calls for policies that prioritize competitive fairness and safeguard opportunities for girls in athletics.