Trump administration opens investigation into trans admissions at Smith College

The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into Smith College over its policy admitting transgender women.

The inquiry, led by the department’s Office for Civil Rights, will assess whether the college’s approach complies with Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination at institutions receiving federal funding.

At issue is how the law’s exemption for single-sex colleges is applied. The provision allows institutions to admit only male or only female students, but federal officials say it is based on biological sex rather than gender identity.

Title IX investigation focuses on transgender admissions at Smith College

It marks the latest step by the Trump administration – which has often used rhetoric targeting transgender people – to roll back protections for trans rights in the United States.

In a statement announcing the investigation, the department said it is reviewing policies that allow transgender women to access “women-only spaces, including dormitories, bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams”.

Smith College, in Massachusetts, adopted its current admissions policy in 2015 following student-led campaigning. The framework permits applicants who identify as women to enrol, including transgender students.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by the advocacy group Defending Education, which argues the policy is inconsistent with federal law.

What could the Smith College investigation could mean for US women’s colleges?

“An all-women’s college loses all meaning if it is admitting biological males,” said Kimberly Richey. “The Trump Administration will continue to uphold the law and fight to restore common sense.”

The case comes amid wider changes to federal policy, with the current administration signalling that Title IX should be interpreted on the basis of biological sex across areas including sport and campus facilities.

Any findings against Smith College could have broader implications for other US women’s colleges that admit transgender students, particularly those operating under similar admissions policies.