Ohio State is committed to a welcoming environment for all members of our community and will continue to support students, faculty and staff through direct actions that actively support health, safety and well-being.
In November 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 104, which requires the university to designate multi-use student restrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms and changing rooms for only the male biological sex or only the female biological sex.
The law prohibits the university from knowingly allowing individuals to use multi-use student restrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms and changing rooms designated for the opposite biological sex and prohibits the university from establishing or maintaining gender neutral or gender inclusive multi-use restrooms, shower rooms, changing rooms or locker rooms.
Exceptions to the law include children under 10 and people with disabilities who are being assisted by family members, as well as for university employees whose job duties require them to enter all restrooms. Full text of the law is available on the State of Ohio website.
Senate Bill 104 applies to all Ohio public and private institutions of higher education as well as public K-12 schools. It will be codified as Ohio Revised Code 3345.90 and takes effect on February 25, 2025.
The university is required to follow the law and is continuing to evaluate potential impacts to policies and practices. After an initial review, the university’s facilities were determined to be in compliance with the law.
All multi-use student restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and shower rooms are designated by male or female biological sex. There are more than 450 single-occupancy restrooms across all campuses. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions are available below.
Single-Occupancy Restrooms
Columbus, Regional and Satellite Campus Locations
The map default is set to display the Columbus campus. To view regional and satellite campus locations, use the bookmark tab on the left of the map to select the appropriate campus.
Note: This map is generated using the university’s Space Information Management System and displays publicly accessible single-occupancy restrooms. Data is updated as routine building audits are conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
If someone doesn’t feel safe using sex-designated restrooms that match their sex as assigned at birth, what restrooms can they use?
There are more than 450 single-occupancy restrooms across all campuses. Information about locations is listed above.
How can I assist my child or relative if I cannot enter a facility designated for the opposite sex?
The law includes exceptions for children under 10 and individuals with disabilities who are being assisted by family members.
How can I carry out my job if I cannot enter a facility designated for the opposite sex?
The law includes an exception for employees whose job duties require them to enter a restroom, locker room, changing room or shower room designated for the opposite biological sex.
How can I report discrimination and harassment if I experience it or witness it?
Members of the university community are responsible for helping to maintain a welcoming environment where all members of our community can live, learn, teach and work. If you suspect a violation of laws, rules, regulations or policies affecting the university community, contact the Office of Institutional Equity through an online report at equity.osu.edu, by phone at (614) 247-5838 or by email at equity@osu.edu.
Definitions Specified in the Legislation
- Male and female biological sex is defined in the law as an individual’s “biological indication of male and female, including sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, gonads, and nonambigious internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individual’s psychological, chosen, or subjective experience of gender.”
- Multi-occupancy facilities are defined as a “restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible to multiple individuals at the same time.”
- Specifically excluded are single-occupancy facilities or “family facilities,” which are restrooms or shower rooms that have only one toilet or shower.