The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Smith College, alleging the women’s college violated federal anti-discrimination law by admitting “biological males” and granting access to women-only spaces. The probe centers on Smith’s admissions policy since 2015 allowing applicants who self-identify as women, including transgender and nonbinary students. Education Department civil-rights officials framed Smith’s policy as potentially unlawful because it permits access to dormitories, bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletics. Smith said it received notice of the probe but declined to comment while the investigation is pending. Higher-ed legal experts note Title IX limits—particularly for private undergraduate admissions decisions—but also emphasize that Title IX still applies to federally funded programs and activities. The investigation adds to mounting pressure on campuses operating under single-sex space policies.