University of Pennsylvania, citing the school’s decision to allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. The move marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to enforce policies aimed at protecting biological female athletes in collegiate competitions.
According to officials, the Department of Education determined that the university’s current policies violate federal guidelines intended to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for women under Title IX. The decision to withhold funding followed a formal review of the university’s athletic programs, particularly focusing on instances where biological male athletes competed against female students.
White House representatives stressed that the freeze will remain in place until the university modifies its policies to align with the administration’s stance on gender and sports participation. The administration emphasized that protecting the integrity of women’s sports is a top priority, arguing that biological differences provide an unfair advantage in competitive athletics.
The University of Pennsylvania’s decision has drawn national attention, reigniting debates over transgender inclusion in sports and the balance between civil rights and athletic fairness. While the university has not issued a public response, the funding freeze is expected to impact research programs, scholarships, and other federally supported initiatives.
The action is part of a broader campaign by the administration to challenge educational institutions that fail to comply with new federal standards on gender and sports. Officials made it clear that similar reviews are underway at other universities, signaling potential additional funding freezes if policies are not adjusted.