The U.S. Department of Education has determined that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX by allowing transgender athlete Lia Thomas to compete on the women's swim team. This decision has elicited a mixed response from Thomas' former teammates, who expressed both relief and skepticism about the university's commitment to change. Paula Scanlan, a former teammate, voiced excitement but doubts about UPenn taking meaningful action, as the institution has not addressed the issue despite previous opportunities. Grace Estabrook, another former teammate, highlighted the importance of further protective measures for female athletes, criticizing current policies as inadequate. The federal government has given UPenn 10 days to comply with Title IX or face potential legal consequences, also demanding restoration of honors to affected female athletes and a formal apology from the university.

The U.S. Department of Education found UPenn in violation of Title IX for permitting Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, to compete in women's swimming, sparking a debate on fairness in women's sports.

Former UPenn swimmer Paula Scanlan expressed excitement over the federal ruling but remains skeptical about UPenn's willingness to implement meaningful changes, given their history of inaction.

Grace Estabrook, another former teammate, called for stronger policies to protect female athletes and criticized current measures as ineffective and leaving women vulnerable to discrimination.

The Education Department has mandated UPenn to comply with Title IX within 10 days, requiring them to restore athletic records and titles to affected female athletes and issue formal apologies.

The legal action against UPenn, involving former teammates like Estabrook, also targets the Ivy League and NCAA, seeking to rescind Thomas' accolades in women's categories.

Estabrook emphasized the need for policies that completely exclude male athletes from women's sports and locker rooms to prevent future emotional and sexual harassment.

Criticism has been directed towards the NCAA and Penn's policies, which some argue are attempts to deflect blame and inadequately address the concerns of affected female athletes.