The Trump administration has suspended around $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, citing concerns over a transgender athlete’s participation in the school’s swimming program, the White House announced Wednesday. This decision comes amid growing debates over transgender inclusion in sports, particularly at the collegiate level.
Penn has been under investigation by the Education Department, specifically regarding its swimming program. The inquiry was launched last month, following President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, reinforcing the administration’s stance on gender-based athletic policies.
The Trump administration’s suspension of $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania was part of a broader review of discretionary federal money allocated to universities, according to the White House. The paused funds came specifically from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services, rather than being directly tied to the controversy over a transgender swimmer. Despite the funding halt, Penn spokesperson Ron Ozio stated that the university had not received any official notification and emphasized that Penn has always adhered to NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student-athlete participation.
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating Penn’s swimming program, with a focus on Lia Thomas, who became the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title in 2022. This investigation is part of a broader examination of transgender inclusion in sports, as the agency has also opened reviews into San Jose State University’s volleyball program and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
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