In a recent development, the Trump administration has halted approximately $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania in response to the inclusion of a transgender athlete in its swimming program, as announced by the White House on Wednesday.
The Ivy League institution is currently under investigation by the Department of Education, which is examining its swimming program. This inquiry commenced shortly after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in female sports.
The suspension of federal funding is attributed to a distinct assessment of discretionary federal funding allocated to universities, according to the White House. The halted funds originate from the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services.
A representative from the University of Pennsylvania stated that the institution had not received any formal notification or specifics concerning this action. “It is important to note, however, that Penn has always followed NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams,” said Ron Ozio, a university spokesperson. “We have been in the past, and remain today, in full compliance with the regulations that apply to not only Penn, but all of our NCAA and Ivy League peer institutions.”
The investigation initiated by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights at the university is centered on Lia Thomas, who was a swimmer on the women’s team and became the first openly transgender athlete to secure a Division I title in 2022.
Additionally, the agency has launched reviews into the volleyball program at San Jose State University and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as part of its broader investigation.
