Story perspectives

Education Dept Probes Smith College Over Trans Admissions

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Smith College after a complaint by Defending Education that admitting “biological males” violates Title IX.
National Center for LGBTQ Rights attorney Shannon Minter called the probe government overreach that threatens trans students’ safety.
The action aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s agenda to restrict trans military service, gender-affirming care for youth, and to threaten colleges with loss of federal funding.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Smith College after a complaint by Defending Education that admitting “biological males” violates Title IX.
National Center for LGBTQ Rights attorney Shannon Minter called the probe government overreach that threatens trans students’ safety.
The action aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s agenda to restrict trans military service, gender-affirming care for youth, and to threaten colleges with loss of federal funding.