Trump administration investigates Smith College for admitting transgender women
The Trump administration has launched a civil rights investigation into Smith College over its policy of admitting transgender women, arguing it may violate Title IX by allowing 'biological males' into women-only spaces. The Department of Education claims the college's admissions policy undermines its status as a single-sex institution. Smith College maintains its commitment to civil rights and has not commented further on the ongoing investigation.
- ▪The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is investigating Smith College for potentially violating Title IX through its admission of transgender women.
- ▪The investigation argues that admitting transgender women into dorms, bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams may breach federal law concerning sex-based discrimination.
- ▪Smith College's policy allows applicants who self-identify as women, including cis, trans, and nonbinary individuals, to apply for admission.
- ▪A rightwing group, Defending Education, filed a complaint in June 2025 prompting the investigation, claiming the policy discriminates against natal women who identify as men.
- ▪Smith College affirmed its policy to admit transgender women in 2015 after extensive consultation with students and alumni.
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Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, on 19 October 20218. Photograph: John Greim/LightRocket/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSmith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, on 19 October 20218. Photograph: John Greim/LightRocket/Getty ImagesTrump administrationTrump administration investigates Smith College for admitting transgender womenCivil rights inquiry claims policy may breach Title IX as administration escalates attacks on trans rights Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Rachel LeingangTue 5 May 2026 09.50 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 09.52 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe US education department is investigating one of the country’s largest women’s colleges over its admittance of transgender women in another escalation of the Trump…
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