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Smith College To Accept Transgender Women

NORTHAMPTON (CBS) - The Smith College Board of Trustees approved changing their policy to include self-identified transgender women at their meeting on Saturday.

"The board's decision affirms Smith's unwavering mission and identity as a women's college, our commitment to representing the diversity of women's lived experiences, and the college's exceptional role in the advancement of women worldwide," reads a joint press statement from President Kathleen McCartney and Board chairwoman Elizabeth Mugar Eveillard released Saturday.

The decision comes after the school spent a year conducting a formal study of the admission policy.

"The study group listened carefully to the voices of the campus community, Smith alumnae, and parents; consulted outside experts, including legal experts; and conducted its own research," reads the statement. "The recommendations of the study group, as well as an advisory vote of the faculty, informed the board's decision."

The policy will be effective for any student applying this fall.

"In keeping with our tradition and identity as a college of and for women, Smith will continue to use gendered language, including female pronouns, in institutional communications," adds the statement.

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