Smith College, a historic women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts, is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for its policy of admitting transgender women. This investigation, announced on Monday, stems from a complaint filed by the conservative legal organization Defending Education, which argues that allowing transgender women to enroll violates Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions receiving government funding. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey expressed concerns about privacy and fairness, stating that an all-women's college loses its meaning if it admits biological males. The DOE's stance is that the single-sex exception to Title IX applies based on biological sex, not gender identity. Smith College, which has allowed transgender women to enroll since 2015, has stated its commitment to compliance with civil rights laws and the diversity of women's experiences. The investigation reflects ongoing national debates about gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals in educational settings.