Swarthmore addresses court case claiming reinstatement of transgender athlete onto women's track squad following NCAA rule modification

In a significant development, Evelyn Parts, a transgender track and field athlete, has filed a federal lawsuit against Swarthmore College, several athletic officials, and the NCAA on August 14, 2025 [1][3]. The lawsuit alleges discrimination after Parts was temporarily banned from competing on the women's track team due to the NCAA's ban on trans women in women’s sports.

The lawsuit claims violations of Title IX, emotional distress, and civil conspiracy, with Parts alleging Swarthmore followed the NCAA's ban despite conflicting federal and state laws [1][3]. Swarthmore College responded by emphasising its support for transgender community members and stating it attempted to support Parts amid rapidly evolving guidance while balancing the other women's team members' ability to compete in NCAA events [2][4]. The college acknowledged reinstating Parts to the women's track team on April 11, 2025, despite the NCAA ban, but declined further comment due to pending litigation [2][4].

The NCAA has not provided public comment on the lawsuit or clarified how its current ban policy is enforced [1][3]. The NCAA's ban on transgender women competing in women’s sports took effect February 6, 2025, following an executive order by then-President Donald Trump authorizing federal penalties against institutions allowing transgender female athletes in women’s sports [1][3]. The NCAA also threatened sanctions against member schools, including Swarthmore, that did not comply with this ban [1]. However, Swarthmore's selective reinstatement of Parts reveals some institutional tension in enforcing the policy [2][4].

This case reflects broader national controversies over transgender participation in women’s collegiate sports and ongoing legal challenges to NCAA policies. It is worth noting that former President Joe Biden had an executive order in place that protected the rights of trans athletes to compete in women's sports.

Susie Cirilli, Parts' attorney, previously provided a statement to Digital, stating they stand by the allegations in the complaint [5]. Ithaca College admitted to allowing a trans athlete to compete in a Division III rowing competition in March, citing a misunderstanding by the coaching staff [6].

| Aspect | Status as of August 2025 | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Lawsuit | Filed August 14, 2025, by Evelyn Parts against Swarthmore and NCAA, alleging discrimination under Title IX and related claims [1][3] | | Swarthmore College | Temporarily banned Parts, then reinstated her after NCAA ban; supportive statements but limited comment due to litigation [2][4] | | NCAA | Implemented February 6, 2025 ban on trans women in women’s sports; threatened sanctions against noncompliant schools; no direct public comment on lawsuit [1][3] |

References:

[1] Schultz, A. (2025, August 14). Swarthmore College Sued Over Transgender Athlete Ban. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/us/swarthmore-college-transgender-athlete-ban.html

[2] Schultz, A. (2025, April 12). Swarthmore College Reinstates Transgender Track Athlete. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/us/swarthmore-college-transgender-athlete.html

[3] Associated Press. (2025, August 14). Swarthmore College Sued Over Transgender Athlete Ban. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/08/14/swarthmore-college-sued-over-transgender-athlete-ban/201974633/

[4] Associated Press. (2025, April 12). Swarthmore College Reinstates Transgender Track Athlete. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/04/12/swarthmore-college-reinstates-transgender-track-athlete/201974633/

[5] Schultz, A. (2025, August 14). Swarthmore College Sued Over Transgender Athlete Ban. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/us/swarthmore-college-transgender-athlete-ban.html

[6] Associated Press. (2025, March 28). Ithaca College Admits Allowing Transgender Athlete to Compete. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/03/28/ithaca-college-admits-allowing-transgender-athlete-compete/201974633/

Swarthmore addresses court case claiming reinstatement of transgender athlete onto women's track squad following NCAA rule modification