The University of Cincinnati has begun installing new bathroom signage designating facilities for "biological men" and "biological women" in response to recently enacted state legislation. The changes, which started appearing in residence halls and campus buildings last week, come as Ohio's new bathroom use law takes effect.
The law, signed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine in November, mandates that bathroom use in K-12 schools and colleges be restricted to individuals of the same "biological sex." The University of Cincinnati, home to over 50,000 students, appears to be the first Ohio higher education institution to implement changes meeting the new requirements.
The university confirmed updates to signage in residence halls and locker rooms, with spokesperson M.B. Reilly stating that as a public institution, they are following legal requirements while working to maintain their educational mission.
The new signs include QR codes linking to maps of single-occupancy restrooms across campus. However, some transgender students express concerns about the policy's impact on their daily lives.
"I had a panic attack for the first time in a while," said Corvo Hopkins, a 21-year-old junior who is transgender. Hopkins believes the signs send a message that transgender students are "not valued" on campus.
Noah Ciolino, an 18-year-old freshman, reported having to change dormitory floors to ensure access to appropriate facilities, noting concerns about emergency situations when single-occupancy bathrooms may be occupied.
The bathroom legislation's chief sponsor, Republican State Senator Jerry Cirino, defended the law as "common sense" that protects students in private spaces. Ohio joins four other states with similar laws applying to colleges and universities.
The bathroom signage changes coincide with the university's recent rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion policies following a federal executive order. These simultaneous changes have sparked protests among students and staff, with hundreds gathering on campus to voice their concerns about the shifting campus environment.