A new law that forces transgender students in Ohio to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their sex assigned at birth took effect this week, sending shockwaves through the state’s education system. Senate Bill 104, signed by Governor Mike DeWine last November, prohibits transgender students from using facilities that align with their gender identity. The law also restricts overnight accommodations for trans students, further isolating and marginalizing an already vulnerable group.
LGBTQ+ advocates, parents, and legal experts are decrying the legislation as an overt attack on transgender youth. The law leaves enforcement up to schools and universities, raising concerns about privacy, safety, and discrimination. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio is monitoring its implementation, hinting at potential legal challenges.
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Fear and Isolation in Ohio’s Schools
“This law makes students feel afraid and unsafe in a place where they previously felt a part of their school community,” said Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio.
For transgender students, this is more than just a change in policy—it’s a direct attack on their dignity. Studies consistently show that forcing trans youth into facilities that do not align with their gender identity increases the risk of mental health struggles, bullying, and self-harm. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who experience discrimination are twice as likely to attempt suicide.
At Oberlin College, a historically progressive institution, students are already pushing back. Many have defied the new bathroom signage, removing gendered labels in silent protest.
“We are not going to police who uses what bathroom,” Oberlin’s student body president, Natalie DuFour, stated defiantly. “We refuse to compromise on inclusivity.”
Other schools, including the University of Cincinnati, have taken a different approach—quietly installing signs that state “biological men” and “biological women” on multi-use restrooms. These changes have fueled outrage among students who see them as unnecessary and exclusionary.
“It’s dehumanizing,” said Kaden Jarosz, a transgender student at Oberlin College. “It’s not about safety—it’s about erasing us.”
A Law Without Enforcement?
One of the most controversial aspects of the law is the complete lack of enforcement mechanisms. There are no specified penalties for schools that fail to comply, leading to questions about whether administrators will actively police restroom use.
“How exactly do they plan to enforce this? Are they going to start checking birth certificates? Are we going to have bathroom monitors?” asked Jory Ross, a transgender doctoral student at Ohio State University. “This isn’t about safety. It’s about fear, control, and forcing trans students back into the shadows.”
Critics worry that the ambiguity in enforcement will lead to increased harassment. Students who do not conform to traditional gender norms—whether transgender or not—may find themselves targeted by emboldened peers or faculty.
“This law gives bullies a green light,” said Jennifer Martinez, legal director of the Ohio Civil Liberties Union. “It institutionalizes discrimination under the guise of ‘protecting’ students.”
The Harmful National Trend
Ohio is now among at least a dozen states with similar anti-trans bathroom laws, a trend driven by Republican-controlled legislatures nationwide. These laws claim to “protect” cisgender students, but there is no credible evidence of transgender individuals posing a safety risk in restrooms. Instead, research shows that transgender people are far more likely to be harassed or assaulted in public restrooms.
“This isn’t about safety. It’s about legislating bigotry,” said Shelby Chestnut, executive director of the Transgender Law Center. “Every time we see laws like this pass, it emboldens anti-LGBTQ extremists and makes life more dangerous for trans people.”
Adding to the concern, the resurgence of Donald Trump’s influence on Republican politics threatens to push these policies even further. The Trump administration has already promised to roll back transgender protections, leaving many trans Americans fearing for their basic rights.
A Chilling Effect on Higher Education
For Ohio’s famously progressive colleges, the law has led to an internal battle between administrative compliance and student outrage. Antioch College, where nearly 90% of students identify as LGBTQ+, has vowed to resist in any way possible.
“We will do everything we can to make transgender students feel supported and safe here,” said Jane Fernandes, Antioch’s president.
Meanwhile, at institutions like Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College, officials have largely remained silent. Many campuses already have gender-neutral bathrooms, but the law prevents schools from allowing trans students to use multi-use facilities aligned with their gender identity.
At Oberlin College, students say the law won’t change much in practice. “The law doesn’t require us to check who uses what bathroom,” said student activist Rai, a transgender man. “But the fear and uncertainty it creates is enough to do harm.”
Legal Battles Ahead?
The ACLU of Ohio has hinted that legal challenges are likely. Similar laws in other states have faced court battles, with mixed results. Some have been temporarily blocked, while others remain in effect.
“There is a strong case to be made that this law violates Title IX protections against sex discrimination,” explained Professor David Keller of Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. “The courts have historically ruled in favor of trans students in these cases.”
If challenged in court, the law’s lack of enforcement guidelines could work against it. “Without clear enforcement mechanisms, this law is more symbolic than practical,” said Keller. “But its symbolism is deeply damaging.”
The Bigger Picture
Ohio’s anti-trans bathroom law is just one piece of a broader assault on transgender rights. Across the U.S., states are banning gender-affirming care for minors, restricting trans participation in sports, and rolling back non-discrimination protections.
Governor DeWine’s decision to sign this bill is particularly frustrating for LGBTQ+ advocates, who had briefly seen him as a potential ally. Last year, he vetoed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, citing concerns for parental rights. Now, by signing Senate Bill 104, he has directly harmed the same students he previously claimed to protect.
“We thought we had an ally,” said Sarah Thompson, director of the Ohio LGBTQ+ Coalition. “Instead, we got a politician who cares more about appeasing extremists than protecting kids.”
The Bottom Line
For transgender students in Ohio, the fight is far from over. Advocacy groups are urging allies to speak out, contact lawmakers, and challenge discriminatory policies. Community support networks are mobilizing to provide legal assistance and mental health resources for affected students.
“This law may be in effect, but that doesn’t mean we accept it,” said Jocelyn Rosnick of the ACLU. “We will fight this in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box.”
The stakes are high. For transgender students, this isn’t just about bathrooms—it’s about dignity, safety, and the right to exist without fear. As Ohio moves forward under this new law, the transgender community and its allies are making one thing clear: They will not be erased.
