FAQ: New Ohio law on restrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms

In November 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 104, which created a new law (R.C. 3345.90) requiring institutions of higher education (like the University of Cincinnati) to designate multi-occupant student restrooms, student locker rooms, student shower rooms, and student changing rooms, “for the exclusive use by students of the  male biological sex only or by students of the female biological sex only.”  The law requires the use of “clear signage” in making these designations.

The law further prohibits the University from knowingly permitting a member of the female biological sex or male biological sex, from using a student restroom, student locker room, student shower room, or student changing room designated for the opposite biological sex. Moreover, the law prohibits the University from maintaining multi-occupancy facilities designated as nongendered, multigendered, or open to all genders.   

As a public institution, we remain committed to complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. As such, the University will comply with the law as set forth in R.C. 3345.90 and students will start to see updated signage in the required facilities.

The University’s requirement to comply with the law does not take away from its commitment to creating a learning environment that fosters opportunity and develops educated and engaged citizens. This includes a commitment to the safety and well-being of the students, faculty, and staff, and providing access to the essential resources needed on campus. 

R.C. 3345.90 requires institutions of higher education to designate with clear signage each student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room accessible by multiple students at the same time for the exclusive use by students of the male biological sex only or the female biological sex only.  

Institutions of higher education shall not knowingly permit a member of the female biological sex to use a student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that has been designated by the institution for the exclusive use of the male biological sex.

Institutions of higher education shall not knowingly permit a member of the male biological sex to use a student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that has been designated by the institution for the exclusive use of the female biological sex.

R.C. 3345.90 defines biological sex, in part, as the biological indication of male and female, including sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, gonads, and nonambiguous internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individual’s psychological, chosen, or subjective experience of gender. 

R.C. 3345.90 does not permit institutions of higher education to construct, establish, or maintain a multi-occupancy facility that is designated as nongendered, multigendered, or open to all genders. A multi-occupancy facility is a restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible to multiple individuals at the same time.  

More than 300 single-occupancy restrooms are located in buildings across campus. You can find a comprehensive listing on the University’s website.  

In recent years, all new construction at UC has been built with single occupancy restrooms, and single-use restrooms have also been added to older buildings.

Per R.C. 3345.90, facilities impacted by the new law include student restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, or shower rooms accessible by multiple students at the same time for the exclusive use by students.

Yes.  Multi-occupancy facilities located in residence halls are subject to the new law.  Please review signage before entering multi-occupancy facilities. 

Private restrooms inside an individual room or suite are not impacted. Residential students are encouraged to seek out their Resident Advisors (RAs) and professional, live-in staff members (Community Coordinators) for support and guidance. These teams are here to help you with navigating these changes.

No. For individuals who needed or may need an alternative housing option, relocation within campus housing is available. In many cases, we can also accommodate roommate moves if an impacted student has a friend with whom they would like to stay.

Our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible for impacted students, as we understand how important it is for students to feel comfortable in their living spaces. Resident Education & Development is available to guide students through their options and next steps.

The prohibitions of the statute do not apply to:

•  A child under the age of ten who is being assisted by a parent, guardian, or family member, as well as the parent, guardian, or family member who is assisting the child; 
• A person with a disability who is being assisted by another person, as well as the person providing assistance to the person with a disability; 
• A university employee whose job duties require the employee to enter a restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room designated for a biological sex that is different from the employee’s biological sex; or 
• A person who enters a restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is designated for a biological sex that is different than the person’s biological sex, because the person reasonably believes the person is responding to a legitimate emergency. 

Any immediate safety concerns should be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible by dialing 911.

UC prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, military status (including veteran status), national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, parental status (including status as a foster parent), pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. 

Reports should be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity by phone, email, or via the online reporting form:

Office of Equal Opportunity
(513) 556-3349
eooffice@uc.edu
Online Reporting Form

A report may be submitted anonymously via EthicsPoint by phone or the electronic submission form:

EthicsPoint Anonymous Reporting Hotline
(800) 889-1547 
Electronic Submission Form

A report may also be made to UCPD in person or by phone:

University of Cincinnati Police Division

Three Edwards Center
51 West Corry Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0215
Phone: (513) 556-1111

Absolutely. You may reach out to CAPS, our CARE Team, or Resident Education & Development.

You can review the new law (R.C. 3345.90 – Single-Sex Facilities and Accommodations) on the Ohio Legislative Service Commission website.

The law went into effect on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.