In light of a recent state law aimed at restricting transgender women from accessing women’s restrooms in educational institutions, several well-known progressive colleges in Ohio are experiencing a period of reflection among students, alumni, and administrators.
This is just one of numerous laws enacted nationwide to safeguard female students. The legislation in Ohio, specifically targeting private colleges, grants each institution the autonomy to determine their approach to compliance and enforcement of the law.
Navigating legal complexities has turned into a significant hurdle, particularly at institutions such as Antioch and Oberlin, which are founded on principles of idealism and activism, where numerous individuals perceive the law as an extension of a broader assault on transgender students.
For certain individuals, the notion of adhering to any guidelines contradicts the deeply rooted principle of embracing gender inclusivity. Colleges nationwide are currently assessing the effects of the recent administration’s stringent measures on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which include a warning about potential federal funding cuts for institutions that do not align with its view of civil rights legislation.
Oberlin has announced its commitment to adhere to the upcoming law starting Tuesday, providing counseling services and an opportunity for students to request relocation from their dormitories. Antioch remains silent on a comprehensive strategy.
Ahri Morales-Yoon, a first-year student at Antioch College identifying as nonbinary, expressed that the implications of the law will extend far beyond just access to restrooms.
“It will create significant anxiety and doubt,” they remarked. “This law looms over us, lingering in the back of your mind.”
Colleges face challenges in maintaining support for transgender students
Since 2021, Jane Fernandes has held the position of president at Antioch College. During that period, she noted that she has not received any complaints regarding anyone being in a restroom.
Located roughly an hour’s drive west of Columbus, this institution was established in the year 1850. Horace Mann, known for his contributions to education reform, his stance against slavery, and his service in Congress, took on the role of its inaugural president. The institution closed its doors in 2008 due to financial difficulties but made a comeback three years later. A significant portion of the school’s 120 students, nearly 90%, identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with approximately 1 in 6 identifying as transgender.
“We are committed to ensuring that transgender students feel fully supported and safe in our environment,” stated Fernandes, who has consistently opposed the legislation.
Shelby Chestnut, the executive director of the Transgender Law Center and an Antioch graduate who chairs the school’s board of trustees, expressed that the law aims to discourage colleges from providing support to students.
“This is a blatant assault on the well-being of students,” they stated during a discussion.
Ohio’s legislation mandates that all multioccupancy restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and showers in colleges be designated for the exclusive use of either males or females, determined by sex at birth.
Ten additional states have implemented regulations regarding bathroom usage. However, those factors do not generally apply to private colleges and universities.
“The goal was to ensure that all students in Ohio receive equal treatment,” stated Republican state Rep. Beth Lear, a sponsor of the measure.
Recent legislation reflects a growing trend of restrictive measures against transgender individuals. Numerous states under GOP leadership, such as Ohio, have prohibited gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender minors and enacted legislation to prevent transgender women from participating in women’s sports.
Upon his return to the office, President Donald Trump has enacted a number of executive orders aimed at transgender and nonbinary individuals across various areas, marking a stark shift from President Joe Biden’s initiatives to explicitly incorporate them into civil rights safeguards.
Outside influences spark conflict within the university
Established in 1833, Oberlin College and Conservatory, located near Cleveland, has a history of challenging social barriers, notably being one of the pioneering institutions to welcome women and Black students. In 1970, the college made headlines by featuring on the cover of a prominent magazine for its introduction of co-ed dormitories.
In the 1990s, residents of dormitories took it upon themselves to decide on bathroom policies, frequently allowing access to facilities for individuals of any gender.
The recent legislation has ignited concern among students and certain alumni, who perceive the administration’s decision to adhere to the law as a betrayal of the institution’s core values for its nearly 3,000 students. The institution communicated in a message to the entire campus that adhering to the law “does not lessen our commitment to every individual in our varied community.”
However, the situation is not straightforward for everyone involved.
“It contradicts the very essence of Oberlin,” stated English professor DeSales Harrison, “to hold back from presenting a clear stance on what appears to be true and virtuous in the world.”
There are calls for Oberlin to adopt a stronger position.
Kathryn Troup Denney, a 1995 graduate, is a musical theatre director from Massachusetts who created a production focused on transgender individuals. Similar to many former students discussing online, she expressed that her university ought to defy the state legislation, even if it jeopardizes financial support from the government.
“When legislation intentionally discriminates against a specific group of individuals,” Denney stated, “that’s the moment when individuals of integrity can stand up and declare, ‘No, this legislation is unjust, it lacks fairness, and it poses risks.’”
Officials from Oberlin turned down requests for interviews.
Changes are on the horizon, yet the future of restroom usage remains uncertain.
Upon the arrival of students at Oberlin for the spring semester, they encountered new signage indicating that multi-person bathrooms were designated for either men or women.
Numerous dormitory restrooms used to feature signs indicating whether they were accessible to all, restricted to a specific gender, or limited to a single user. Students have the potential to alter the signs. In various academic and public facilities, signage has shifted focus from gender identification to indicating the presence of stalls or urinals in restrooms.
Several of the recently installed signs have been taken down, seemingly in response to protests, and the administration is in the process of replacing them.
However, at both Antioch and Oberlin, it remains uncertain whether restroom usage will be affected.
Natalie DuFour, the president of Oberlin’s student body, pointed out that the legislation does not mandate anyone to verify who is utilizing the restrooms.
“In principle, students are free to choose any resources they wish,” she stated.
Fernandes from Antioch has made it clear: “We’re not going to keep track of who uses which bathroom.”