Latest news with #SenateBill104
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
University of Cincinnati removes 'biological' bathroom signs, wasting $16K
The University of Cincinnati has removed its controversial "biological" bathroom signs just a little over one month after they went up. The Ohio university came under fire in February after plastering signs on some of its restrooms that read 'biological men' or 'biological women,' supposedly to comply with a new state law. Senate Bill 104 mandates that students at public K-12 schools, colleges, and universities use restrooms and other facilities according to their sex assigned at birth. The bill took effect 90 days after it was signed it into law by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in November. The university — which was not required by law to hang the signs — erected them one week early anyways. The university has since removed the signs after widespread backlash, including a protest attended by hundreds of students. Maintenance staff had to put up then take down 117 signs across four residential communities on campus, university spokesperson M.B. Reilly told The Cincinnati Enquirer, bringing the total cost of labor and materials to $16,000. The university has said that hanging the signs was an "error," though they did not elaborate on how the "error" was made. Vice provost Nicole Mayo and vice president Bleuzette Marshall sent an email to students, obtained by the outlet, shortly after the protest that only stated, "This was an error on our part, and we apologize for the harm it may have caused." The University of Cincinnati also came under fire for its advance compliance with Senate Bill 1, which prohibits "any orientation or training course regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion," "the continuation of existing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or departments," "establishing new diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or departments," "using diversity, equity, and inclusion in job descriptions," and establishing "any new institutional scholarships that use diversity, equity, and inclusion in any manner." University officials also cited Donald Trump's executive orders against DEI, parts of which had been blocked by a federal court. University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto released a statement saying the school would be examining its DEI initiatives and 'evaluating jobs and duties related to DEI" before the law had even passed. The ACLU of Ohio denounced the bill's passage, with Policy Director Jocelyn Rosnick saying in a statement, "As students nationwide witness the ongoing assaults against their First Amendment rights, it is disheartening to see Ohio's own legislators follow suit in this dangerous pattern of stifling political discourse." "By dismantling DEI structures, Senate Bill 1 sends a clear, harmful message to students that their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are not welcome in Ohio," Rosnick said, adding, "Institutions of higher education must remain places where academic freedom and diversity can foster – not be censored."
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Columbus City Schools reverts to birth names for transgender students
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Parents are speaking out after Columbus City Schools reverted students' names to those reflected on birth certificates, saying the move came without notice and harmed transgender and gender variant students. Columbus City Schools spokesperson Tyler Carter said the district made the change to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 104, which took effect Feb. 25 and requires Ohio public school students to use the restroom that aligns with their assigned sex at birth. However, the bill does not require districts to use birth names in school records, and the district did not respond to NBC4's request for clarification. Dara Adkinson, executive director of TransOhio, said there was no legal obligation for CCS to make this change. Adkinson said TransOhio has heard from a number of concerned parents and faculty after the district changed its student records overnight. They said many students were outed to their classmates without warning, including students with legal name changes and sealed court records. How dismantling the Department of Education will affect Ohio schools 'The schools have smart boards, and there were students that were outed during attendance to their classes and their teachers, none of whom knew that they were trans,' Adkinson said. Columbus City Schools rescinded its transgender and gender variant student policy in February, removing the district's policy protecting names and pronouns. The policy said it was required to maintain an official record of students' legal sex and name assigned at birth but would otherwise use a student's chosen name in school records and documents. See previous coverage of this decision in the video player above. 'To ensure legal compliance regarding official student records, Student Information System records had to be updated to match the information on student birth certificates or court orders,' Carter said. When the policy was repealed, local LGBTQ+ youth support organization Kaleidoscope Youth Center thanked the district for rescinding it, saying changes would have legitimized discrimination. Now the district is no longer required to respect students' gender identity in student records, but it said during it would continue to ensure all students felt safe and included at school. Adkinson said parents have mentioned pursuing litigation, and lawyers have reached out to TransOhio to express their concerns. 'I cannot imagine being a middle school student and being outed in such a violent manner to my classmates, taking all agency away from those kids,' Adkinson said. Could same-sex marriage be on the ballot in Ohio? Adkinson said parents reported having no notice of the change until it was reflected in parent and student portals. Families also shared this frustration on social media. Carter said every parent or guardian who had requested a name or gender change for their student received a notice, and students older than 18 received notice personally. However, a parent shared a copy of the letter with NBC4, pointing out that it was postmarked March 20, at least 24 hours after the change. Adkinson said the district does not have to stick with this decision, adding many parents have reached out to the school board asking for it to be undone. In an email to a parent shared with NBC4, board member Sarah Ingles responded to concerns indicating she and other board members had not been aware of the decision. In the email, Ingles said she asked for a full report from district administration, including possible remedies. 'You don't have to stay with a bad decision just because you made one,' Adkinson said. 'I hope that they roll it back, but I don't know that there's any way they can truly make it up to those students.' Adkinson said there are ways to help, like teachers calling attendance by last name alone or families contacting the district. However, they encouraged people not to bring it up around students who were affected by the decision, saying they may not want to discuss it. 'In this moment in time, just because a lot of discrimination is being championed, doesn't mean that our institutions need to rush to discriminate in new and creative ways that are presently still illegal,' Adkinson said. Carter said the district will continue to work with students and families to provide support. Parents said they have been able to call the school to update students' information but only as a 'nickname.' The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place April 1 at 6 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As a queer former teacher, I know Ohio's bathroom law will harm students
Ohio's anti-trans "bathroom bill" − Senate Bill 104 − requiring K-12 schools and colleges to ensure that students use the bathroom corresponding with their sex assigned at birth went into effect on Feb. 25. Teachers and administrators who care deeply about creating a safe and respectful environment for all students are now in the difficult position of enforcing a law that causes harm to transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive students. As a former teacher, I'll break down some key reasons why this law is both unnecessary and harmful for everyone involved. Teachers already have a lot on their plates. They juggle lesson planning, student safety and countless other responsibilities. Adding "bathroom monitoring" to their list is unreasonable. This law was created by politicians who don't understand the daily realities of teachers or their students. Forcing teachers to follow unnecessary and harmful rules only increases their stress, takes time away from students and takes time away from teaching. This law isn't about protecting students; it's about demonizing transgender students. More: Cincinnati Children's Hospital doesn't threaten minors. Anti-trans politicians do. | Opinion Forcing students to use the wrong bathrooms leaves them feeling unsafe and distressed. According to the Trevor Project's 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, "53% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing recent symptoms of depression, including nearly three in five transgender and nonbinary young people (59%) and more than two in five cisgender young people (44%)." Creating an environment where students feel unsafe and distressed seven-plus hours a day, five days a week for months out of the year would just add to those numbers in Ohio. Ultimately, teachers want to help their students, but this law creates confusion and limits their ability to provide support. Transgender students already face challenges, and laws like this ignore their needs and cause lasting harm. As Randy Marsh from South Park famously said, "I thought this was America." This law strips away our students' freedom to choose how to express their gender. For many transgender students, being able to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity is essential to their dignity and self-expression. When we take that away, we strip away the freedoms that define us as Americans. In doing so, SB 104 limits freedom of speech and expression - a constitutional right - by forcing people to act and speak in ways that don't reflect who they truly are. Teachers work hard to create safe and inclusive spaces for all students. Research from GLSEN, an organization focused on ending discrimination and bullying of LGBTQ people, shows that LGBTQ+ students feel a stronger sense of belonging when schools adopt inclusive policies. This law undermines those efforts. As someone who grew up queer and attended a public school in Centerville, Ohio, I know how important it is for students to feel safe and supported. School was one of the few places where I could explore my identity without fear. By enforcing this law, we are denying future generations the chance to do the same. Instead of divisive laws like SB 104, let's focus on real issues like school-based violence, access to healthy lunches, educational achievement and more. Let's stop trying to govern bathrooms over baseless claims and start addressing the challenges facing our schools and students. Nico Schrenk is an openly queer LGBTQ+ advocate and public speaker who serves in the Department of External Affairs at Equitas Health as the Name Change Clinic Coordinator for the Ohio Name Change Legal Clinic, which is a partnership between Equitas Health and TransOhio. These legal clinics offer free monthly legal assistance to the transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive community of Ohio in accessing their legal name changes and/or gender marker changes on identity documents. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio's bathroom law is a cruel attack on trans students
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UC to replace 'biological' bathroom signs, apologizes to students for any harm caused
The University of Cincinnati will be replacing bathroom signage using the word "biological men" and "biological women", according to an email administrators sent to students Wednesday afternoon. "This was an error on our part, and we apologize for the harm it may have caused," read the email from vice provost Nicole Mayo and vice president Bleuzette Marshall, referring to the bathroom signs that had sparked outrage after being posted on Reddit and going viral last week. In response to a question during a student protest of a UC trustee meeting Tuesday about whether using the word "biological" was legally necessary, university president Neville Pinto called the signs "an error." More: UC president calls 'biological' bathroom signs error as students, faculty protest The Enquirer has requested records about the cost of creating as well as installing the "biological" bathroom signs and any email discussions associated with the installation. Some schools, including Ohio State University, left their bathroom signs as they were, and Ohio Rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, who co-sponsored Senate Bill 104, told an Enquirer reporter Tuesday that changing the words on the signs was not necessary, although UC's initial decision did fall in line with the new law. Ohio's new law requiring students to use multi-occupancy bathrooms, shower rooms, changing rooms and locker rooms that align with their assigned sex at birth took effect Tuesday. In doing so, the law is intended to prevent transgender students from using facilities that correspond with their gender identity. The law applies to multi-occupancy facilities, so schools are still permitted to offer single-occupancy bathrooms, more than 300 of which are available across UC's campus. More: Ohio's transgender bathroom law goes into effect today. How will schools comply? This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC to replace 'biological' bathroom signs
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How central Ohio schools are complying with state's ‘bathroom bill'
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
