The U.S. Department of Education opened investigations into 18 school districts and colleges over policies that allow transgender students to compete on teams aligned with their gender identities. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said the probes span K–12 districts and higher‑education institutions, including the New York City Department of Education and several community colleges. The department signaled it may use enforcement tools — including funding consequences — if it finds noncompliance with Title IX, and the actions arrive as the Supreme Court weighs related cases. The sweep elevates federal scrutiny of athletics policies nationwide and adds regulatory risk for institutions balancing state, federal and campus‑level decisions on inclusion and competitive fairness.