The University of Pennsylvania has made a controversial announcement regarding Lia Thomas’ swimming records.
Per reports, the school has agreed to ban transgenders from competing on its women’s sports teams, which brings an end to a federal civil rights investigation prompted by Thomas’ exploits.
It also marks a voluntary resolution with the U.S. Department of Education following accusations of a Title IX violation that allowed Thomas to compete in women’s swimming despite being a biological male.
The agreement will see the restoration of records and titles to female athletes who lost to Thomas, while they will also receive personalized apology letters, according to OutKick, which first broke the news.
“UPenn will adopt definitions for male and female consistent with biological sex; restore stolen records and titles to female athletes; and, issue personal apologies to each impacted female swimmer,” a statement reads.
Agreement Didn’t Offer Clarity On Whether Lia Thomas Will Lose Award
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
Lia Thomas became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title in 2022, triggering a years-long debate over fairness in women’s sports.
As to whether Thomas will be stripped of NCAA awards is still unknown.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has not responded to the Department’s request to have its national record books updated.
Also Read: Riley Gaines Makes Shocking Proposal To Simone Biles After Their Social Media Spat
