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NewsFox News PoliticsMay 5, 2026United States

Department of Education Investigates Smith College Over Admissions Policy

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into Smith College to determine if its admission of male students and their access to women-only spaces violates Title IX. The probe focuses on whether the college's policy of admitting students based on gender identity rather than biological sex conflicts with federal single-sex education requirements.

educationcivil rightsTitle IXhigher educationgender policy
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Why It Matters

The investigation could determine whether Smith College remains in compliance with , which governs federal funding eligibility for single-sex educational institutions.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched a formal investigation into Smith College.
  • The investigation examines whether Smith College violated Title IX by admitting biological males and granting them access to women-only spaces.
  • Women-only spaces cited include dormitories, bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams.
  • Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
  • The Department of Education asserts that the Title IX single-sex exception is based on biological sex, not subjective gender identity.
  • Smith College currently admits applicants who self-identify as women, including cis, trans, and nonbinary individuals.
  • Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey stated that an all-women's college loses its meaning if it admits biological males.
  • Smith College has confirmed receipt of the notice of investigation and stated it is committed to compliance with civil rights laws.

Who's Mentioned

dateMarch 20, 2025“Date associated with a White House event.”organizationU.S. Department of Education“Federal agency conducting the investigation.”personKimberly Richey“Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.”organizationSmith College“The educational institution currently under investigation.”organizationOffice for Civil Rights“The specific department office leading the probe.”dateMay 18, 2025“Date associated with a Department of Education office sign.”bill_numberTitle IX of the Education Amendments of 1972“The federal law under which the investigation is being conducted.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”personLinda McMahon“Education Secretary.”