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Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Paula Scanlan has expressed her discontent with her alma mater, particularly in light of recent events. On the same day the Trump administration announced a halt to $175 million in federal funding for the university, Scanlan received a donation request from the university’s call center.
As one of the female athletes who shared a pool and locker room with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during the contentious 2021-22 season, Scanlan conveyed her frustration to Fox News Digital, detailing her experience with constant donation solicitations from the university.
“They frequently ask for contributions from alumni,” said Scanlan. “Unfortunately, I have no intention of donating until I receive a formal apology for being compelled to undress in the presence of a male three times a week.”
Scanlan found the timing of the call particularly ironic, as she noted that the last donation request she received was in February. “It’s not uncommon for them to reach out, but I suspect they’re under significant financial pressure right now,” she explained.
RILEY GAINES THANKS LIA THOMAS FOR HER INFLUENCE
Reflecting on her experiences as a swimmer who faced the historic challenges posed by Thomas, Scanlan participated in the “Take Back Title IX” bus tour, which kicked off in Scranton, Pennsylvania, advocating against the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
For Scanlan, merely an apology isn’t sufficient for her consideration of future donations to UPenn. “The university offers over 150 majors, yet there are entire departments that I deem unnecessary. Students are accruing massive debts for degrees in fields like gender studies, which I believe should be re-evaluated,” she remarked. “It’s a broader issue extending beyond UPenn; I would require substantial changes at any college in the country before contemplating a donation.”
Scanlan has been a vocal critic of UPenn since Thomas joined the women’s team, highlighting the adverse effects on both herself and her teammates. As a survivor of sexual assault, she has provided insight into the emotional turmoil that accompanied Thomas’ participation. In July 2023, alongside fellow swimmer Riley Gaines, she testified before the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government.
TRANSGENDER ISSUES IN SPORTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE 2024 ELECTION
As discussions continue regarding the impact of the funding pause, Scanlan has expressed cautious optimism, believing that while the decision sends a positive message, it likely will not enact widespread change within the university’s administrative structure. “I see this as a step in the right direction, but I am doubtful it will lead to significant changes in hiring practices or the educational ideologies being instilled in students,” she said. “Any potential reforms should be taken further.”
The funding announcement has been met with enthusiasm from some of Scanlan’s former teammates, such as Grace Estabrook, who voiced a desire to see the revocation of records and accolades awarded to Thomas and other transgender athletes in female categories. “It’s a start that the administration acknowledges federal violations, but we need complete accountability. This involves returning awards and recognition to the women who truly deserve them,” Estabrook stated.
Estabrook has joined Scanlan and fellow UPenn swimmers Margot Kaczorowski and Ellen Holmquist in a lawsuit seeking to have Thomas’ records removed from women’s competitive history. Kaczorowski and Holmquist issued a joint statement praising the administration for their recognition of violations and emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of harm endured by female athletes.
CONCLUSION ON UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITY
The statement from the group underscored the urgent need for universities to uphold Title IX protections and to recognize the damage caused by non-compliance. “We are encouraged by the actions taken so far but hope for stronger momentum in enforcing regulations that safeguard female student athletes,” they concluded.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from UPenn regarding these developments.
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