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NewsBreitbartMay 5, 2026United States

Department of Education Investigates Smith College Admissions Policy

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Smith College to determine if its admission of transgender-identifying students violates Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination at schools receiving federal funding. The investigation focuses on whether the college's policies regarding single-sex spaces and admissions align with federal definitions of biological sex.

educationcivil rightsTitle IXtransgender rightshigher education
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Why It Matters

The outcome of this investigation could determine whether Smith College remains eligible for federal funding and set a national precedent for how single-sex institutions must interpret requirements regarding gender identity.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is investigating Smith College for admitting transgender-identifying men.
  • The investigation examines whether the college violates Title IX by allowing transgender-identifying men into women-only spaces, including dorms, bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams.
  • Title IX prohibits sex discrimination as a condition for receiving federal funding.
  • The Department of Education contends that the Title IX exception for single-sex colleges applies only to biological sex, not gender identity.
  • The investigation was triggered by a 2025 complaint filed by the watchdog group Defending Education.
  • Smith College began accepting transgender-identifying students in 2015.
  • Smith College has stated it is committed to complying with civil rights law but will not comment on pending investigations.

Who's Mentioned

personKimberly Richey“Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.”locationNorthampton, Massachusetts“Location of Smith College.”organizationSmith College“The women's college currently under investigation.”organizationOffice for Civil Rights“The division within the Department of Education leading the inquiry.”personSarah Parshall Perry“Vice president and senior legal fellow at Defending Education.”personKatherine Hamilton“Reporter for Breitbart News.”organizationDefending Education“Conservative watchdog group that filed the complaint.”organizationDepartment of Education“Federal agency conducting the investigation.”