UPenn slammed for using ‘shameful loophole' to honor trans swimmer Lia Thomas despite record erasure

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: The University of Pennsylvania is facing criticism from both sides of the political divide after appearing to walk a tightrope in the controversy surrounding transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.

Although the Ivy League school has officially complied with a federal mandate to revoke Thomas’s titles and achievements, it has discreetly left traces of her accomplishments intact on its athletics website.

University of Pennsylvania defends Lia Thomas eligibility after complying with Trump’s demand

The move follows a Title IX investigation led by the Department of Education, under policies reinstated by the Donald Trump administration. The probe concluded that UPenn violated federal regulations by allowing Thomas, a transgender woman, to compete in women’s NCAA events during the 2021–22 season.

As a result, the university agreed to strip Thomas of her titles, including her historic NCAA national championship in the 500-yard freestyle, restore the records of displaced female athletes, and issue both personal and public apologies.

However, the University of Pennsylvania has quietly added a note on its women’s swim team page acknowledging Thomas’ past achievements: “Competing under eligibility rules in effect at the time, Lia Thomas set program records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle during the 2021‑22 season.” Her individual profile also continues to highlight her contribution to a record-breaking 400-yard freestyle relay team.

The ruling came after Thomas renewed her pledge to continue advocating for inclusion and to push back against Trump’s policies.

Critics have slammed the university’s action as a calculated compromise, one that satisfies federal compliance while still preserving Thomas’s legacy through what they call a symbolic footnote.

The university’s reversal came after a months-long Title IX investigation concluded with the threat of suspending $175 million in federal funding, nearly a fifth of UPenn’s total government support.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the outcome as a victory for women’s rights in sports. She wrote, “Today, we’re grateful that the injustice of men in women’s sports did not keep @Riley_Gaines_ quiet. It did not keep @PaulaYScanlan quiet. It did not keep parents or students across the country quiet. And it did not keep Donald Trump quiet.”

The ruling also drew applause from prominent conservative voices such as Riley Gaines, who has long opposed the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s categories. She wrote, “The ‘Riley Gaines Act’ goes into effect today in the state of Georgia. This bill prevents men from playing in women's sports at public schools and colleges. Quite the successful day if you ask me.”

Internet reacts after University of Pennsylvania honors Lia Thomas’ past achievements

The University of Pennsylvania is facing widespread online backlash after allegedly finding a loophole to continue celebrating transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, despite mounting controversy and criticism from women’s sports advocates.

One user wrote, “Woke university administrators are behind this. The rest of the world realizes it’s not right. There needs to be real change, whether it’s the new president or the trustees, someone has to step in.”

Another said, “Their hate for Mr Trump and then there’s this kinda thing. WTF are you idiots doing?? You know it’s wrong, but you keep stirring the pot. The people behind this should be ousted.”

A third commenter pointed to political consequences, warning, “Loophole will close when Trump cuts the school’s federal funds. UPenn is on the wrong side of women’s history.”

Others slammed the university for what they see as a betrayal of women’s athletics: “These universities being deceitful is a big part of the problem. UPenn arrogantly put on display their deceit!”

“The whole ‘trans’ issue in women’s sports is a stain that must be expunged. UPenn is indeed ‘shameful.’ History will judge those responsible very unfavorably,” one wrote.

Another simply wrote, “These idiots don’t give up, do they? Time for Trump to rescind all funding to this disgusting university.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.