The University of Cincinnati has been thrust into a culture war after mistakenly posting restroom signs designating access for "biological men" and "biological women," just as Ohio's new law restricting bathroom use by biological sex takes effect.
"That was an error, and we are on our way to correct that," University President Neville Pinto said during a tense board meeting where students and faculty protested the school's handling of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Despite Pinto's backtracking, a photo of the signage racked up 2,000 comments on Reddit, with many commenting the move sends a hostile message to transgender students.
"Can't believe my tuition dollars went to a bathroom sign trying to push me out. Bro, I've been on T for almost four years. I'm not going into the women's restroom. That's only going to make all of us uncomfortable," one student posted.
Ohio's new law does not specify how enforcement should be carried out, leaving room for interpretation. Advocacy organization TransOhio said the University of Cincinnati is the first school they are aware of implementing signage in response to the law, according to NBC.
"I had a panic attack for the first time in a while," Corvo Hopkins, a transgender student told local news. "I haven't been able to think about anything else."
"The truth is that they aren't trying to protect anyone from trans people: they just want trans people to go away completely and limiting where they can go is kind of the first step. Trans women won't be comfortable using any bathroom and neither will trans men," one redditor commented.
"They just want a convenient excuse to hurt both groups. I'm so fucking glad I got out of Ohio, though I'm terrified Indiana's going right down the same path, so looking to move AGAIN," another added.
"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," said university spokesperson M.B. Reilly.
The university has yet to clarify whether the signs will be removed, replaced or remain in place.
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