Three former University of Pennsylvania swimmers filed a lawsuit challenging Lia Thomas’ records and transgender inclusion in women’s sports, citing emotional trauma and privacy violations.
Key Insights
- Grace Estabrook, Margot Kaczorowski, and Ellen Holmquist are suing UPenn, Harvard, the NCAA, and the Ivy League Council of Presidents.
- The lawsuit seeks to expunge Lia Thomas’ records and declare her ineligible for women’s races.
- Plaintiffs allege harassment, abuse, and federal law violations, claiming they were pressured to accept Thomas’ participation.
- The case adds to the national debate over transgender athletes in female sports divisions.
- The lawsuit coincides with recent legislative actions addressing transgender participation in sports.
Former Teammates Challenge Lia Thomas’ Participation
Three former University of Pennsylvania swimmers have filed a lawsuit against their alma mater, Harvard University, the NCAA, and the Ivy League Council of Presidents. Grace Estabrook, Margot Kaczorowski, and Ellen Holmquist allege that allowing transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete on the women’s team violated their rights and caused emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks to nullify Thomas’ records and declare her ineligible for women’s competitions.
The plaintiffs claim that the defendants created an intimidating environment that forced them to deny biological differences between men and women. They allege that Thomas’ inclusion jeopardized their opportunities, privacy, and safety. The lawsuit details incidents where the women felt uncomfortable sharing locker room facilities with Thomas, who had previously competed on the men’s team.
Three former University of Pennsylvania swimmers launched a lawsuit Tuesday to vacate the records of transgender athlete Lia Thomas, according to a document acquired by The National News Desk.https://t.co/86WD8262V0
— KTXS News (@KTXS_News) February 6, 2025
Alleged Pressure and Silencing
According to the lawsuit, UPenn administrators and coaches allegedly pressured the female swimmers to accept Thomas’ participation without complaint. The women claim they were warned against speaking out, fearing potential consequences for their future careers.
The lawsuit alleges that the university suggested counseling for those struggling with Thomas’ participation, rather than addressing their concerns. Coach Mike Schnur reportedly acknowledged the situation was problematic but felt powerless to act, allegedly stating, “I know it’s wrong but there’s nothing I can do.”
Broader Implications and Legislative Action
This lawsuit comes amid a growing national debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. It coincides with recent legislative actions, 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 potential far-reaching consequences, as it seeks to create a class-action claim for 206 female athletes from the 2022 Ivy League Swimming and Diving Championships. It challenges the NCAA’s policy allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports based on gender identity, which the plaintiffs argue is discriminatory.
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
