The University of Pennsylvania had $175 million in federal funding paused by the Trump administration over its inclusion of transgender athletes in female sports.
According to Fox News, the university is being investigated over its potential violations of Title IX violations, after President Donald Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order early February.
A senior Trump administration official told Fox Business that the $175 million in federal funding has now been paused, which equates to almost a quarter of the school’s $1 billion in federal funding annually.
Fox News further reported that the pause in funding is not directly a result of the investigation by the Department of Education.
However, acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, said in a statement that there are three educational institutions with potential violations being investigated.
San Jose State University’s female athletes, particularly the volleyball team, refused to play against male athletes, while Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is also under investigation for Title IX violations.
In 2022, UPenn made headlines after allowing transgender athlete Lia Thomas on the women’s swim team. Thomas then went on to win the 500-yard freestyle championship title nationally.
Thomas also came in fifth place in a tie with Riley Gaines in the 200-yard freestyle that same year, however, Thomas ultimately took the trophy.
On UPenn’s website, it states that “Penn is closely monitoring federal policy changes” and notes that the university’s leadership is “directly engaged with public officials” to advocate for the school’s “service to the greater good.”
In a statement posted March 18, Penn President J. Larry Jameson asked the “Penn community to come together.”
“The American higher education system is one of America’s greatest strengths. A social contract has long enabled U.S. colleges and universities to serve individuals, communities, and government for the good of all. This contract has been a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity in our society,” Jameson said in a statement. “I ask every member of the Penn community to come together and do what we must: take care of one another, seek help when needed, and ensure the continuation of our critically important work. Together, we will protect and preserve what defines us as Penn.”
