University of Cincinnati removes ‘biological’ bathroom signs after protests, says installation was an ‘error’

CINCINNATI, OH – The University of Cincinnati will replace controversial “biological men” and “biological women” signs on some campus restrooms, after two days of student and faculty protests.

In a note Wednesday, Vice Provost Nicole Mayo and Vice President Bleuzette Marshall write in part, “This was an error on our part, and we apologize for the harm it may have caused.”

The note reiterates, though, the university is working to comply with an Ohio law that went into effect Tuesday. UC has been under fire for new restroom signs and, more broadly, the university’s planned abandonment of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Pictures showing new restroom signs in Siddall Hall went viral on social media and Reddit on February 21. The signs specify restrooms for “biological men” and “biological women.”

 

 

“I thought that it was a joke at first,” said Alyssa Wagner, a second year environmental studies major. “It’s annoying, is this where my tuition money is going?”

Wagner attended a protest outside the Tangeman University Center Monday holding a sign that read, “Why do you care where I pee? Trans rights are human rights.”

Trans and non-binary students immediately expressed concern for their safety, even those who live off-campus.

“It feels targeted, it’s transphobic,” said Kaya Friday, a fourth year fine arts major. “And it’s not at all necessary.”

The University said in a statement Monday, the signage changes were made to four residence halls and some locker rooms, in accordance with Ohio Senate Bill 104.

“As a public institution, we are following the law and seeking to meet our mission to create an environment where we provide opportunity, develop educated and engaged citizens and enrich our city, state and world,” the university statement read. 

Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 104 into law in November. It took effect February 25, 2025.

 

The law – in part – states:

(B)(1) Each institution of higher education shall 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 by students of the female biological sex only. 

(2) No institution of higher education shall knowingly permit a member of the female Am. Sub. S. B. No. 104 135th G.A. biological sex to use a student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that has been designated by the school for the exclusive use of the male biological sex. No institution of higher education shall 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 school for the exclusive use of the female biological sex. 

(3) No institution of higher education shall construct, establish, or maintain a multioccupancy facility that is designated as nongendered, multigendered, or open to all genders.

The law does allow for single-occupancy restrooms or for a student to use a faculty facility under “special circumstances.”

The QR code attached to the new restroom signs directs users to a link with locations of single-occupancy restrooms.

The University of Cincinnati’s signage change comes three weeks after the college newspaper reported the small, private Oberlin College in northern Ohio changed its “Everyone” restroom signs to “men” or “women.”

 

UC’s new signs went viral the same day President Neville Pinto sent a campuswide note regarding changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies.

Pinto cited federal guidance – from a January executive order and a February “Dear Colleague” letter – calling for the elimination of DEI in higher education. He also noted the advancement of Ohio Senate Bill 1, which also would eliminate DEI efforts in higher education and change the way some topics the state considers controversial could be taught.

Students questioned the enforcement of the restroom sign change – and Ohio law – and how it will affect those students living in residence halls.

“I’ve heard that the only enforcement is if students turn in another student, so they’d be turning students against each other,” Wagner said.

A university spokesperson Monday said accommodations can be made for students.

“In support of our campus, if any trans/non-binary student would wish to move from an impacted residence hall, our staff will work to accommodate their needs. Ahead of the effective date of the new law, a handful of students have approached the university to request to move and were accommodated,” the statement read.

Over the weekend, photos showed the new signs had been torn off or – in some cases – covered with stickers and signs. One read, “UC is forcing trans students out of Siddall.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about how people can be allies,” Friday said. “What if allies just started using the wrong restroom? The university isn’t going to prosecute cis people.”

UC created a frequently asked questions page Wednesday about the new law and the university’s response to it.