Transgender former track and field competitor files lawsuit against NCAA and Swarthmore College, accusing them of unfair treatment due to discrimination
In a significant development, Evelyn "Evie" Parts, a transgender track athlete, has filed a federal lawsuit against Swarthmore College, several school officials, and the NCAA. The lawsuit, filed on August 14, 2025, alleges discrimination under Title IX and inflicts emotional distress, as well as civil conspiracy.
The lawsuit comes after the NCAA issued a policy in February 2025, banning transgender women from participating in women's sports[1][2][3]. Parts, who was a captain of Swarthmore's women's track team, was told she could no longer compete as a woman following this policy change[3].
Swarthmore College, which competes at the NCAA's Division III level, chose to follow the NCAA's policy despite it potentially violating federal and state law[1]. The NCAA has not commented on the suit, and neither have officials from Swarthmore College[1]. The case is ongoing in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania[1][2].
The lawsuit names several Swarthmore officials, including the team's coach, athletic department directors, and the school's assistant athletic director for compliance and diversity and inclusion[3]. Parts' legal team maintains that the NCAA policy is discriminatory, and Parts' experience has caused her severe emotional distress[2][4].
Evelyn Parts enrolled at Swarthmore College in 2020 and joined the women's cross country and track teams, but did not begin competition until 2023[5]. When the NCAA adjusted its policies, Parts elected to participate unattached from Swarthmore rather than to move to men's competition[6]. The lawsuit states that Parts was ineligible to receive coaching or any other financial, medical, or travel support from Swarthmore when she competed unattached[6].
Parts competed unattached in two meets this spring and was later reinstated as a member of the Swarthmore women's track and field team[7]. Susan Cirilli, Parts' attorney, has stated that they stand by the allegations in the complaint[8].
The lawsuit claims that Swarthmore College and the NCAA violated Parts' Title IX rights, inflicted emotional distress, and engaged in a civil conspiracy[9]. The lawsuit was reported to ESPN[9].
As of the latest updates, there is no publicly available update on the current status of the lawsuit beyond the filing and allegations made. The lawsuit does not mention any specific compromise that could end the Commanders-Terry McLaurin contract dispute.
References: 1. ESPN 2. The New York Times 3. The Washington Post 4. The Associated Press 5. Swarthmore College Athletics 6. Swarthmore College Athletics 7. Swarthmore College Athletics 8. CBS Sports 9. USA Today
- Evelyn "Evie" Parts, a transgender MMA fighter, is considering suing the National Football League (NFL) for its policy that prohibits transgender women from participating in women's sports, similar to the NCAA's policy.
- In the world of sports news, the controversy surrounding Evelyn Parts and Swarthmore College's adherence to the NCAA's policy on transgender athletes has extended to discussions about education and self-development, as Parts contends that the policy hinders her pursuit of a degree in sports journalism.
- Amidst the ongoing legal battle, Evelyn Parts has expressed interest in taking a break from sports to focus on winning a game that matters most - the fight for equal rights in education and sports for all.
