Ohio’s new law, Senate Bill 104, which took effect this Tuesday, mandates that students in K-12 schools and universities must use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their sex assigned at birth. This law also prohibits transgender students from sharing overnight accommodations with peers of the same gender.
While the law doesn’t require the creation of new facilities, schools and universities are still permitted to provide single-use bathrooms. The law has been met with criticism from LGBTQ advocates, who argue it harms transgender individuals, making them feel unsafe and further disenfranchised.
In response to the law, Ohio universities, like the University of Cincinnati, have posted new signs in residence halls and locker rooms labeling them biological men and biological women.
The University of Cincinnati has also indicated they will work with transgender students who wish to move to single-use restrooms or accommodations.
Some school districts, like Columbus City Schools, have rescinded policies that allowed transgender students to use facilities matching their gender identity, while others, like Mason City Schools, have said they are working with families to ensure safety and compliance.
The law adds to a growing number of similar legislative measures across the country and has sparked protests, including a demonstration with over 120 people in Columbus.
Critics argue that such laws infringe on the rights of transgender individuals, framing it as a broader issue of human rights and equality.