Kenyon College Realized It Was Breaking the Law — Changes Policy, Bars Men from Women’s Restrooms Everywhere on Campus

Legal firm America First Legal (AFL) filed a complaint against Kenyon College in Ohio earlier this month after learning that the administration allowed men to use women’s restrooms in administrative and academic buildings.

AFL said the school was violating Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Ohio law.

In defense, the president of the school attempted to make a distinction. She said the law bars men from student restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms or shower rooms designated for women, not from administrative and academic buildings.

No, AFL contended, the law does not make this distinction. Now the school has had a change of heart. From AFL (emphases added):

After AFL sent its complaints, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office contacted Kenyon College regarding its restroom policy, reminding the school of its obligations under Ohio law.

Kenyon College has updated its compliance statement “to reflect clarification from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office,” declaring that “[t]he law applies to multi-occupancy facilities anywhere on campus that a student may use.”

“Men and women should not share restrooms—it’s simple, and it’s the law,” said Will Scolinos, AFL attorney. “Kenyon College’s decision to flush its gender-neutral restroom policy will keep women safe when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Photo credit: By dsearls – Flickr,  CC BY 2.0, link