By Charles Switzer
8:43am PST, Feb 6, 2025
Swimmers Sue UPenn, NCAA and Ivy League Over Lia Thomas' Participation
Three former University of Pennsylvania women's swimmers — Grace Estabrook, Margot Kaczorowski and Ellen Holmquist — have filed a lawsuit alleging they suffered emotional trauma due to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competing on their team, The New York Post reported.
The lawsuit names UPenn, Harvard University, the NCAA and the Ivy League Council of Presidents as defendants, claiming they violated federal laws, including Title IX, by allowing Thomas to compete in women's sports.
The plaintiffs argue that the schools and organizations fostered an environment of intimidation, silencing dissent and pressuring them to accept Thomas' participation without question.
Here are four key takeaways from their complaints.
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Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation
According to the lawsuit, UPenn administrators instructed female swimmers who were uncomfortable with Thomas' inclusion to seek counseling from the school's LGBTQ center.
The plaintiffs claim they were subjected to repeated emotional trauma and were warned that speaking out against Thomas would result in being labeled transphobic, potentially damaging their future career opportunities.
The lawsuit also details a mandatory "Trans 101" seminar where female swimmers were reportedly told they had psychological issues if they objected to competing against a transgender athlete.
Locker Room Concerns and Alleged Privacy Violations
The lawsuit states that UPenn initially assured the women that they would not have to share a locker room with Thomas but later changed its policy. As a result, female athletes were forced to change in the same space as Thomas.
Kaczorowski reportedly walked into the locker room to find Thomas undressing, leading her to confront their coach Mike Schnur.
According to the complaint, Schnur admitted, "I know it's wrong, but there's nothing I can do" and warned that he would be fired if he spoke out about the issue.
The plaintiffs argue that this decision compromised their privacy and safety.
Call to Expunge Lia Thomas' Records
The lawsuit demands that Thomas' records and wins be vacated, arguing that Thomas' participation in women's sports was unfair and violated Title IX.
Thomas, who previously competed on the men's swimming team from 2017 to 2020 before transitioning to the women's team in 2021, broke multiple records in the Ivy League Championships, including the 500-, 200-, and 100-yard freestyle events. Although praised by many, the swimmer received detractors even within the trans community, with Caitlyn Jenner once calling her a "narcissist."
The plaintiffs claim the NCAA and Ivy League worked together to ensure Thomas remained eligible to compete, despite concerns from other swimmers about fairness in competition.
Trump's Executive Order Banning Trans Athletes in Women's Sports
One day before the lawsuit was filed, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring biological men from competing in women's sports. The order threatens to revoke federal funding from schools that fail to comply, reinforcing Title IX protections for female athletes.
"From now on, women's sports will be only for women," Trump declared at the White House signing ceremony. The lawsuit aligns with the administration's policy shift, which seeks to prevent transgender women from competing in women's sports at federally funded institutions.
The topic has divided opinion over the last several years, with one X commenter sharing how "it's not about bigotry or discrimination, maybe it is for some but that's not the point, it's about basic biology. Give them their own team."
Another poster replied, "It is bigotry because you put a spotlight on 'them' and nobody can imagine the hate they receive because of it."
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