University Suffers Fallout After Defying Trump

Donald Trump speaks to reporters on his plane

The Trump administration has determined that the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) violated federal civil rights laws by allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The decision cites UPenn's failure to comply with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs receiving federal funding. UPenn must now resolve the violations or face enforcement proceedings from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

We analyze the clash in this photo gallery.

President Trump at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Department of Education acting assistant secretary for civil rights Craig Trainor stated that the administration aims to protect opportunities for female athletes. He emphasized that UPenn must comply with Title IX or risk facing penalties and loss of funding.

Donald J. Trump waves to supporters while boarding Air Force One

Trainor said, “Little girls who look up to Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan can find hope in today’s action – the Trump Administration will not allow male athletes to invade female private spaces or compete in female categories.”

President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Prescott Regional Airport

Trainor added, “UPenn has a choice to make: do the right thing for its female students and come into full compliance with Title IX immediately or continue to advance an extremist political project that violates federal antidiscrimination law and puts UPenn’s federal funding at risk.”

Governor Doug Ducey speaks with President Donald Trump

The Education Department’s proposed resolution requires UPenn to affirm its commitment to Title IX, restore athletic records and titles misappropriated by male athletes, and apologize to affected female athletes.

President Donald Trump arrives during a visit to Basler Flight Service

In March, the Trump administration froze $175 million in taxpayer funding to UPenn after the school defied an executive order banning transgender women from competing on girls' and women's teams. A UPenn spokesperson claimed the school remains compliant with NCAA and Ivy League policies regarding athletic participation.

Attorney General Pam Bondi

The controversy surrounding transgender athlete participation intensified when swimmer Lia Thomas transitioned and joined the women's team, ultimately winning an NCAA Division I title. Thomas also tied for fifth place against University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has since voiced strong opposition to including trans athletes in women’s sports.

Pam Bondi during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The Department of Justice will not sit by when women are discriminated against in sports. This is about sports; this is also about these young women’s personal safety.”

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.