The US Education Department has launched an investigation into Smith College, one of the nation's largest women's colleges, over its policy of admitting transgender women. This move represents another escalation in the Trump administration's ongoing campaign against transgender rights.
Investigation Details
The department's Office for Civil Rights announced the probe on Monday, asserting that the Massachusetts institution may be violating federal law by permitting "biological males into women's intimate spaces," including dormitories, restrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams. Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, includes an exemption for single-sex colleges. However, the department contends this exemption applies solely to "biological sex difference, not subjective gender identity." Admitting transgender students, they argue, would strip the college of its single-sex designation.
Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights, stated: "An all-women's college loses all meaning if it is admitting biological males. Allowing biological males into spaces designed for women raises serious concerns about privacy, fairness, and compliance under federal law. The Trump Administration will continue to uphold the law and fight to restore common sense."
Smith College's Policy
According to its website, Smith College's admission policy welcomes "any applicants who self-identify as women," encompassing "cis, trans and nonbinary women." Founded in 1875, the college boasts numerous first ladies, elected officials, and civic leaders among its alumni.
The college issued a statement acknowledging receipt of the investigation notice: "The College is fully committed to its institutional values, including compliance with civil rights laws. The College does not comment on pending government investigations."
Broader Context
This investigation aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to restrict transgender participation in public life. The administration has sought to ban transgender individuals from military service, mandated that passports reflect biological sex at birth, and pursued legal action against states permitting transgender athletes in sports. Additionally, it aims to prohibit access to gender-affirming medical care.
The probe was prompted by a complaint filed in June 2025 by Defending Education, a right-wing education group that targets schools and teachers' unions over diversity policies. The group's complaint stated: "Ironically, in what appears to be yet another exercise in sex discrimination, Smith admits natal men who identify as women but does not admit natal women who identify as men."
Historical Context
Smith College affirmed its inclusive policy in 2015 after a year-long study and consultations with students and alumni. At the time, college leaders wrote: "The mission of Smith College is to educate women of promise for lives of distinction. In the years since Smith's founding, concepts of female identity have evolved. Smith alumnae have been leaders in the movement to afford women greater freedoms of aspiration and self-expression."
Last year, Smith College adopted a new NCAA policy on transgender athletes, barring transgender women from competing in women's sports.
