Education Department launches Title XI investigation into all-women’s college

May 5, 2026 - 08:37

The U.S. Education Department announced on Monday that it has launched a Title IX investigation into Smith College, a private women's college in Massachusetts. The probe centers on the school's policy of admitting transgender women who were not assigned female at birth.

In a statement, the department indicated that the investigation will examine whether the college's admissions practices violate federal civil rights law. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. The department argues that admitting transgender women may constitute a violation of the statute's original intent, which it interprets as protecting only those who are biologically female.

Smith College, a historically all-women's institution, has maintained that its policy is inclusive and aligns with its mission to educate women. The school has not yet issued a formal response to the investigation, but legal experts expect a protracted legal battle. The case marks the latest in a series of federal actions targeting educational institutions over gender identity policies, reflecting a broader national debate on the definition of sex under Title IX. Critics of the investigation say it targets a vulnerable population, while supporters argue it protects women's spaces and opportunities. The outcome could set a significant precedent for single-sex colleges across the country.