Lia Thomas' nomination by University of Pennsylvania for NCAA 'Woman of the Year' award prompts backlash

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Swimmer Lia Thomas was nominated for the NCAA "Woman of the Year" award by the University of Pennsylvania, prompting backlash on social media.

The transgender athlete was nominated for the NCAA award, which recognizes female student-athletes, according to an announcement for the award.

Some on social media were quick to call out the University of Pennsylvania for making the nomination.

"It isn't 'inclusion' that leads the Ivy League to pull stunts like this. It's misogyny - and utter contempt for the truth," Abigail Shrier, author of Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters," said.

LIA THOMAS NOMINATED BY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR NCAA 'WOMAN OF THE YEAR' AWARD

Transgender woman Lia Thomas (L) of the University of Pennsylvania stands on the podium after winning the 500-yard freestyle as other medalists (L-R) Emma Weyant, Erica Sullivan and Brooke Forde pose for a photo at the NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championshipon March 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, called the nomination a "direct attack" on female athletes at the University of Pennsylvania.

Former professional tennis player Martina Navratilova asked the NCAA "What is wrong with you?"

After being criticized by a Twitter user for not supporting Lia Thomas, Navratilova pushed back and said "So I should be happy that biological women are pushed aside when it comes to sports?"

Member schools of the NCAA "are encouraged to celebrate their top graduating female student-athletes by nominating them for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award," according to the announcement.

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