What is Ohio’s so-called “Bathroom Bill”?  

This term refers to the Protect All Students Act, which was included in Ohio Senate Bill 104. It was signed into law November 26, 2024 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and went into effect February 25, 2025.  

In short, the measure requires people at K–12 schools and colleges/universities throughout the state—including Cleveland Institute of Art—to use restrooms that align with their gender assigned at birth. It also requires all Ohio schools to designate multi-person restrooms “for the exclusive use” of either males or females, which is determined by their gender assigned at birth.

Read more: The full text of Ohio Senate Bill 104 can be read here. The Protect All Students Act (Sec. 3319.90.) begins on Page 28 of the PDF. A bullet-point summary of the bill provided by Ogletree Deakins, a legal consultant for CIA, can be read here.  

How has CIA responded to the “Bathroom Bill”? 

The Protect All Students Act goes against CIA’s core value of Inclusivity. However, the College—along with every other college and university in Ohio—is required by law to adhere to the guidelines and restrictions outlined in the law. 

CIA had two multi-person gender-neutral restrooms prior to the Protect All Students Act. One was on the second floor near the north end of Room 223 (Design Suite). The other was on the third floor near Room 326 (Life Sciences Illustration lab). 

As a result of the law, CIA was required to change these multi-person restrooms from gender-neutral to single-gender restrooms. This change took effect February 24, 2025, one day before the state's deadline. 

CIA still has two single-person gender-neutral restrooms: One is on the first floor near Room 106 (Facilities), opposite the freight elevator. The other is on the fourth floor near Room 415 (Business Affairs). These were unaffected by the new law. 

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