Comparison of Lia Thomas to Jackie Robinson
Purdue University professor Cheryl Cooky, who teaches women’s, gender and sexuality studies, has compared transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas to baseball star Jackie Robinson.
Cooky wrote an opinion piece for NBC, stating:
“Thomas, as the first transgender athlete to win a Division I NCAA championship, deserves to be placed among the other firsts. She should be embraced in the history of progress that sports represent and recognized as the trailblazer that she is.”
Cooky's comparison has sparked controversy on social media, with many criticizing her for likening Thomas to Robinson, who broke baseball’s colour line in 1947.
Author's summary: Professor compares Lia Thomas to Jackie Robinson.