Center for Intercultural Engagement
Ohio Law and Campus Restrooms
In November 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a bill that prohibits transgender students from using multi-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identities. The law takes effect February 25, 2025.
This page is intended to provide resources in support of Oberlin students and families who are navigating challenges introduced by the law. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. We encourage all students to share any additional questions or concerns with the Center for Intercultural Engagement at cie@oberlin.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Overview
What is Ohio Senate Bill 104?
Senate Bill 104 (SB 104), commonly known as the “Bathroom Bill,” was signed into law in November 2024 and applies to all Ohio primary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher education. It requires that (1) all multi-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms (changing/shower rooms) be clearly marked as men’s or women’s and (2) institutions of higher education shall not knowingly permit individuals to utilize a restroom that does not correspond to their sex assigned to them at birth. SB 104 does not affect single-occupancy facilities.
Who is affected by the law?
All members of the Oberlin community and guests.
When does the law take effect?
The law will take effect on February 25, 2025.
Why does Oberlin need to comply with the new law?
The new law applies to all public and private institutions of higher education located in the state of Ohio. Oberlin complies with all federal and state laws that apply to the institution.
What does Oberlin need to do to comply with the new law?
Oberlin is required to ensure that all multi-occupancy restrooms are marked for either men’s or women’s use. Oberlin also has more than 40 single-occupancy restrooms designated for all-gender use, and these restrooms are unaffected by the new law.
What is Oberlin’s plan for implementing changes on campus?
We are making determinations on what updates are required. We hope to minimize disruptions to students’ academic experience by implementing all new measures during Winter Term.
What restrooms should trans and non-binary students use?
The law requires that all students use facilities that align with their gender identity as determined at birth if those facilities are accessible by multiple students at the same time. Oberlin’s campus also includes more than 40 single-occupancy restrooms, which are available for use by all people and are unaffected by the law. This campus map identifies all restrooms marked for all-gender use. Please note that it includes single-occupancy restrooms as well as those currently intended for multi-occupancy use. The map will be updated by February 1, 2025, to reflect the changes required by law.
What is Oberlin’s LGBTQ+ Task Force?
Earlier this year, Oberlin established the LGBTQ+ Legislative Task Force, composed of representatives from across campus, to monitor and respond to legislation affecting LGBTQ+ rights. The task force works closely with the Division of Students Affairs, the Office of the President, and other campus offices to help ensure that all students are fully supported as Oberlin navigates challenges presented by LGBTQ+ legislation.
How are changes in bathroom signage being determined?
Student Affairs is working closely with Facilities Operations to determine the best ways to reassign multi-occupancy restrooms as either men’s or women’s in hopes of minimizing disruptions as much as possible. In many cases, multi-occupancy restrooms that were previously designated for use by all genders will now alternate by floor or by area of the building (e.g., first-floor restroom designated for women, second-floor restroom designated for men, etc.).
Campus Support
What is Oberlin doing to support students?
We encourage anyone feeling the weight of this moment to reach out for support—you are not alone. All students are welcome to visit any office across the Division of Student Affairs, including the Center for Intercultural Engagement, Residence Life, the Multifaith Chaplaincy, and Student Health and Wellbeing. Students seeking support can access resources through the Campus Support Resources section on Oberlin.edu. Additionally, Counseling and Psychological Services offers walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
What if a new bathroom designation introduces an access issue for me?
Please share your concern with the Office for Disability and Access by emailing oda@oberlin.edu. Additionally, students may request a room change through the Office of Residential Life (reslife@oberlin.edu). Room-change requests are reviewed based on availability.
Residential Life
How will the law affect housing accommodations?
The law does not affect housing accommodations.
How will the law affect restrooms within residence halls?
Single-occupancy restrooms in residential facilities will be open to all-gender use. Private restroom facilities that exist within an apartment or single-occupant space will also be open to all genders. Facilities within residence halls that are multi-occupancy or shared use will have signage designating them for use by either men or women.
Are students able to request a room change?
Students may request a room change through the Office of Residential Life (reslife@oberlin.edu). Room-change requests are reviewed based on availability.
What is the “E System” and how will it be affected?
Some residence halls employ a signage system in which each multi-occupancy restroom is marked with a letter “E,” which can be rotated to signify the restroom’s designation for use by men, women, everyone, or a single individual. To comply with the law, the E System will no longer be used; all multi-occupancy restrooms will be designated for use by either men or women. Residents will be expected to utilize the restroom that corresponds to the sex listed on their birth certificate issued at or close to their time of birth.
Are students permitted to request a release from their housing contract?
Students who wish to break their housing contract may submit a request to the Department of Residential Life (reslife@oberlin.edu). In that event, Residential Life will apply its standard process and criteria to make a determination.
How will the law affect athletics/intramurals and club sports?
All facilities within Oberlin’s athletics complex are already compliant with the new law.