The U.S. Department of Education's investigation into Smith College, a women's liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts, raises critical questions about the admission of transgender students under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination. The investigation, announced on May 4, 2026, follows concerns from the Trump administration that admitting transgender women could compromise the institution's identity as an all-women's college. Women's colleges, which emerged in the 1800s to provide educational opportunities for women, have had to adapt their missions as societal understandings of gender have evolved. While many colleges now accept transgender women, policies vary significantly regarding transgender men and nonbinary students. The decline in the number of women's colleges—from about 230 in 1960 to just 30 in 2023—adds urgency to these debates. Alumni opinions are divided, with some supporting inclusive policies that reflect the broader mission of women's education. Research indicates that while many transgender students find supportive environments at women's colleges, they can also encounter challenges that stem from institutional policies and societal attitudes. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact the future of women's colleges and their role in promoting gender equality in higher education.