Former University of Pennsylvania swimmers file a lawsuit challenging transgender athlete Lia Thomas’ participation in women’s events, seeking to expunge records and alleging violations of their rights.
Quick Takes
- Three former UPenn swimmers sue NCAA, Ivy League, and universities over Lia Thomas’ participation.
- Lawsuit alleges emotional trauma, privacy violations, and federal law breaches.
- Plaintiffs seek to annul Thomas’ records and declare her ineligible for women’s races.
- Lawsuit claims institutions fostered an environment of pressure and intimidation.
Former Teammates Challenge Lia Thomas’ Participation
In a bold move that intensifies the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports, three former University of Pennsylvania swimmers have filed a lawsuit challenging Lia Thomas’ participation in women’s swimming events. The plaintiffs, Grace Estabrook, Margot Kaczorowski, and Ellen Holmquist, allege they suffered emotional harm due to competing alongside Thomas, a transgender athlete who previously competed on the men’s team.
The lawsuit, which does not name Thomas as a defendant, targets the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, the NCAA, and the Ivy League Council of Presidents. The former swimmers accuse these institutions of contravening federal laws by allowing Thomas to compete, thereby infringing on their rights to fair competition and privacy.
Allegations of Pressure and Intimidation
According to the lawsuit, the university and other defendants created an environment of pressure and intimidation, forcing female athletes to accept Thomas’ participation without protest. The plaintiffs claim they were warned against speaking out, risking being labeled as transphobic and potentially harming their future job prospects.
“The UPenn administrators told the women that if anyone was struggling with accepting Thomas’ participation on the UPenn Women’s team, they should seek counseling and support from CAPS and the LGBTQ center.” – lawsuit
The lawsuit further alleges that the institutions involved prioritized a pro-trans approach at the expense of the female athletes’ rights and well-being. This included changes in locker room policies and the alleged dismissal of concerns raised by the women swimmers.
Seeking to Expunge Records
A key aspect of the lawsuit is the demand to annul Thomas’ records in women’s swimming events. Thomas set records in the 500-, 200-, and 100-yard freestyle races during her time competing in women’s events. The plaintiffs argue that these records should be vacated, asserting that Thomas had an unfair biological advantage.
“I never expected my Ivy League education to teach me that women must silently accept losing their opportunities and privacy.” – Grace Estabrook
The lawsuit seeks to create a class-action claim for 206 female athletes who participated in the 2022 Ivy League Swimming and Diving Championships. This broadens the scope of the case, potentially affecting a significant number of collegiate athletes.
Broader Implications and Political Context
This legal challenge comes amid a wider national discussion about transgender athletes in women’s sports. The lawsuit coincides with recent political developments, including a proposed executive order by President Donald Trump to ban biological men from competing in women’s sports, and the House’s passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
The case has garnered support from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), which is also backing a similar lawsuit by former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines. As this legal battle unfolds, it is likely to fuel further debate on the complex intersection of transgender rights, competitive fairness, and women’s sports.
Sources:
- Former UPenn athletes sue school, Ivy League to vacate transgender swimmer Lia Thomas’ collegiate records
- Former UPenn women’s swimmers sue Ivy League institutions and NCAA alleging push of pro-trans ideology
- Lia Thomas’ former teammates sue UPenn, Harvard and NCAA in lawsuit to scrub her records
