Trump Suspends $175M for Penn

Introduction to the Issue

The Trump administration has made a significant move by suspending approximately $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania. This decision comes as a result of the participation of a transgender athlete in the university’s swimming program. The announcement was made by the White House on Wednesday, citing the reason for the suspension as part of a separate review of discretionary federal money going to universities.

Background on the Investigation

The Ivy League school has been under investigation by the Education Department, focusing on its swimming program. This inquiry was announced last month, shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports. The investigation specifically looks into the case of Lia Thomas, who swam on the school’s women’s team and became the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title in 2022.

Details of the Funding Suspension

The suspended federal money comes from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. According to the White House, this action is part of a broader review of how federal funds are allocated to universities. A Penn spokesperson stated that the school had not received any formal notification or details regarding the suspension of funding. The spokesperson, Ron Ozio, emphasized that Penn has always followed NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams and remains in full compliance with applicable regulations.

Reaction from the University

The University of Pennsylvania has expressed its commitment to adhering to NCAA and Ivy League policies. Despite the lack of formal notification from the Trump administration regarding the specifics of the funding suspension, the university is confident in its compliance with all relevant regulations. This stance underscores the institution’s dedication to providing an inclusive environment for all its students, including transgender athletes.

Broader Implications

The suspension of federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania due to the participation of a transgender athlete in its swimming program has broader implications. It reflects the ongoing debate and tension surrounding the participation of transgender individuals in sports. The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights has also opened reviews of San Jose State University volleyball and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, indicating a wider scrutiny of how educational institutions handle the participation of transgender athletes.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s decision to suspend federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania over the participation of a transgender athlete in its swimming program marks a significant development in the debate over transgender rights and sports participation. As educational institutions navigate these complex issues, they must balance compliance with federal and league regulations with their commitment to inclusivity and equality for all students. The outcome of this situation will likely have far-reaching implications for how universities approach the participation of transgender athletes in the future.

FAQs

• Q: Why was the University of Pennsylvania’s federal funding suspended?
  • A: The funding was suspended due to the participation of a transgender athlete in the university’s swimming program, as part of a broader review of discretionary federal funds allocated to universities.
• Q: How much funding was suspended?
  • A: Approximately $175 million in federal funding was suspended.
• Q: What departments were involved in the suspension of funding?
  • A: The funding suspended came from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Q: Has the University of Pennsylvania received official notification about the suspension?
  • A: According to a university spokesperson, Penn had not received any notification or details of the action at the time of the announcement.

• Q: Is the university in compliance with NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding transgender athletes?

  • A: Yes, the University of Pennsylvania states it has always followed and remains in full compliance with NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams.

    By ZEKE MILLER and ANNIE MA

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has suspended approximately $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania over the participation of a transgender athlete in its swimming program, the White House said Wednesday.

    The Ivy League school has been facing an Education Department investigation focusing on in its swimming program. That inquiry was announced last month immediately after President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports.

    But the federal money was suspended in a separate review of discretionary federal money going to universities, the White House said. The money that was paused came from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.

    A Penn spokesperson said the school had not received any notification or details of the action.

    “It is important to note, however, that Penn has always followed NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding student participation on athletic teams,” spokesperson Ron Ozio said. “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 opened by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights at Penn focuses on Lia Thomas, who swam on the school’s women’s team and was the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title in 2022.

    The agency also opened reviews of San Jose State University volleyball and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

    The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

    <p>Originally Published: March 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM EDT</p>