St. Mary’s College has reversed a controversial policy allowing transgender students’ admission.

The college’s non-discrimination policy, updated in June, considered applicants identifying as female. Following opposition from Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the board of trustees reverted the decision just before Christmas.

President Katie Conboy acknowledged the lack of consensus within the community, emphasizing the shift in position.

Critics of the initial policy praised the change, asserting that it aligned with Catholic teachings, which oppose the admission of individuals assigned male at birth to an all-female institution.