UPenn parents demand NCAA address unfair advantage of transgender teammate

Parents of athletes on the University of Pennsylvania women’s swim team have demanded that the NCAA address the record-breaking dominance of Lia Thomas, a transgender teammate who once competed for the school’s men’s team.

A copy of the letter was obtained by The Daily Mail. The parents had not wanted the letter to go public yet, as the children were taking their midterms this week.

"At stake here is the integrity of women's sports,” said the letter. “The precedent being set — one in which women do not have a protected and equitable space to compete. It is the responsibility of the NCAA to address the matter with an official statement. What are the boundaries? How is this in line with the NCAA's commitment to providing a fair environment for student-athletes?”

Thomas delivered record-breaking performances at a recent college swim meet at the University of Akron, including a 1,650-yard freestyle victory 38 seconds faster than her closest female competitor.

The parents also lament how hands-off the NCAA has been over the issue, writing, “As the governing body, it is unfair and irresponsible to leave the onus on Lia, Lia's teammates, Lia's coaches, UPenn athletics and the Ivy League. And it is unfair and irresponsible to Lia to allow the media to dictate the narrative without the participation of the NCAA.”

One mother who asked not to be identified told The Daily Mail that many on the team had wanted to speak up but were scared they would be ostracized by their peers and the public.

“Everybody is scared," the mom added. "Parents are also scared that the kids will be harmed. We are paying $80,000 for this school. Their life will be impacted.”

The NCAA has not yet responded to the letter, which was sent Dec. 5.