WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education announced this week that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has entered into a formal resolution agreement to comply with Title IX, following an investigation that determined the university violated federal law by allowing a male athlete to compete in women’s sports and use female-only facilities.
The Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that UPenn’s actions discriminated against female athletes, prompting the university to sign the agreement on July 1 rather than face possible legal enforcement by the Department of Justice.
Under the terms of the agreement, UPenn will reinstate all individual Division I women’s swimming records and titles that were awarded to the male athlete. The university will also issue a public statement affirming its compliance with Title IX, commit to using biology-based definitions of “male” and “female,” and prohibit males from competing in women’s sports or accessing female athletic facilities.
Additionally, UPenn must remove or revise any policies inconsistent with Title IX, prominently post its new policy online, and send personalized letters of apology to each impacted female swimmer.
The investigation began in February after complaints arose regarding Lia Thomas, a male swimmer who competed on the women’s team. The OCR concluded in April that UPenn’s policy violated Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon hailed the resolution as a major victory for female athletes nationwide, stating it ensures fairness and preserves the integrity of women’s sports. Former UPenn swimmer Paula Scanlan and former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines also welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance in protecting opportunities for women and girls.
The agreement marks a significant shift in the enforcement of Title IX, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to upholding sex-based protections and signaling broader implications for athletic programs across the country.
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