How central Ohio schools are complying with state's ‘bathroom bill'

Yahoo

24-02-2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Central Ohio school districts are adjusting their restroom policies to comply with the state's 'bathroom bill,' set to take effect Tuesday.
Districts have altered policies that previously allowed students to use restrooms that align with their gender identity to comply with Senate Bill 104. Dubbed the 'bathroom bill,' the law states people can only use restrooms inside schools that align with their sex at birth.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost threatened legal action against districts that did not comply with the law, emphasizing that compliance was 'not optional' and needed to occur before the law went into effect. In response, districts around central Ohio have updated their policies. Here's what area district had to say:
Bexley's Board of Education passed a resolution amending portions of its gender expression and identity policy, which has been in place since 2016, to comply with S.B. 104. Board President Victoria Powers said she anticipates further changes to the policy in the near future, referencing the Parents Bill of Rights, which will go into effect in April and require staff to inform parents about changes in a student's gender identity.
'I do not agree with the requirements of Senate Bill 104,' Powers said at the meeting approving the changes. 'But I do believe that we will best serve our district by approving the resolution before us this evening. I know we will continue to work to ensure the dignity of everyone in our buildings, and that every student feels welcomed, supported, values and safe.'
Columbus City Schools voted unanimously to rescind its gender-affirming policy on Feb. 18 after Yost's letter directly threatened the district with a lawsuit if they did not comply. The district now has no policy in place. See previous coverage of the district's decision in the video player above.
'The Columbus City Schools Board of Education respects and values each of our students and staff members,' the board wrote in a statement. 'The District remains committed to ensuring each student is empowered for success as a citizen in a global community, while also following the law.'
Gahanna-Jefferson's Board of Education discussed the motion to comply with S.B. 104 separately from other agenda items, and the policy was rescinded after a 3-2 vote. Under the new guidance, the board said it would comply with the revised code and would not create any new multi-occupancy facility open to all genders, noting it was still able to establish 'family facilities.'
Board members voiced frustration that they had to comply with a law some members felt targeted vulnerable students. All members said they care about creating an accepting environment that empowers students above all, and they will continue to do so while complying with the law.
Grandview Heights Superintendent Andy Culp said the district made signage changes to avoid confusion but said their restrooms are compliant. The bathroom signs now read 'single occupancy restrooms.'
'Our students may continue to use the restrooms as they have been,' Culp said.
Olentangy Superintendent Todd Meyer addressed S.B. 104 at a Feb. 20 school board meeting, reporting he had in-depth conversations with administrators at all district schools. The district has single-use restrooms in every building, he said, and the district also updated its online FAQs to address questions about the bill.
Online, Olentangy said any student, regardless of reason, can request to use single-use facilities if they desire or need to have increased privacy. The district said it is prepared to address the law's requirement to comply on school trips as well, including in other states. The district does not allow students of different biological sexes to share accommodations on overnight trips.
Upper Arlington confirmed they adjusted their policy in compliance with S.B. 104, passing a resolution affirming student well-being as a priority and stating they had a legal responsibility to change their policy. The district changed all signs reading 'all gender' to signs that read 'single occupancy.'
A district representative said they will post 27 updated signs that identify 51 single occupancy restrooms across the district.
On Feb. 10, Westerville had its first reading of a new policy, which will be voted on Monday evening. The proposed policy affirms compliance with S.B. 104, and the district does not appear to have any contradicting policies in action, according to school policy documents. Westerville did not provide comment, nor have they publicly sent out notices about S.B. 104, but the district did speak out against House Bill 68, which bans gender affirming care for minors.
'Legislating such discriminatory measures against Ohio's LGBTQ+ community now makes it impossible for educational leaders across the state to create educational environments and provide opportunities for all children,' said Westerville City Schools, regarding H.B. 68. 'No child should feel discriminated against or marginalized.'
Worthington introduced a new policy reflecting compliance with S.B. 104 that prohibits use of facilities that do not align with one's sex at birth. The policy is effective Feb. 25 and said it is required per Ohio law. Worthington does not appear to have a public statement about S.B. 14, but joined Westerville in condemning H.B. 68 last year.
'We are deeply disappointed that the General Assembly has chosen to defy the governor, medical community, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, LGBTQ+ community, and parents of trans kids to target an already vulnerable group of Ohio's children,' Worthington Schools Superintendent Trent Bowers said at the time.
New Albany-Plain and South Western school districts told NBC4 their policies are already in compliance with S.B. 104 and will not have to make changes.
'While some districts have moved in recent years to create policies that now potentially risk being out of compliance with the new bathroom and locker room requirements, South-Western City Schools has not moved to do so and, therefore, is appropriately aligned to meet the new expectations of the legislative measure,' South-Western Schools spokesperson Evan Debo said.
Dublin City Schools said they don't have any information to share about S.B. 104, but the district will share updates through its usual channels if anything changes.
Canal Winchester, Groveport Madison, Hilliard, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg and Whitehall school districts did not immediately reply to a request for comment, but a review of their policies showed none appeared to be out of compliance, and therefore may not need to make any adjustments.
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