The University of Cincinnati has begun displaying signs restricting restroom use to “biological men” and “biological women” in response to a new Ohio law. The legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in November, mandates that public and private schools and colleges limit bathroom access based on biological sex. It officially takes effect Tuesday. The University of Cincinnati, a public institution with over 50,000 students, appears to be the first in Ohio to enforce the law, though it does not specify how compliance should be implemented.

At least 15 states restrict bathroom use for transgender individuals in school settings, but only five apply such laws to colleges and universities. Of those, only Florida and Ohio include private institutions. A university spokesperson confirmed the signs were placed in residence halls and locker rooms, stating that the school is “following the law” while striving to maintain an inclusive environment.

A photo of one of the signs shared on Reddit sparked widespread discussion, with some students and employees saying they received no prior notice. A QR code linking to a list of single-occupancy restrooms is included on the signs, two students said.

The University of Cincinnati started posting new restroom signs in residence halls and other campus buildings last week, complying with SB 104, which limits bathroom access in K-12 schools and colleges based on “biological sex.”

Supporters argue the law ensures privacy and safety, with Republican state Sen. Jerry Cirino calling it “common sense” and a necessary measure to “protect our children and grandchildren” in private spaces, according to The Associated Press. However, transgender students at the University of Cincinnati say the policy complicates their daily lives, forcing them to seek out gender-neutral restrooms.

“I had a panic attack for the first time in a while,” said Corvo Hopkins, a 21-year-old transgender junior. “I haven’t been able to think about anything else.” Hopkins said the signage sends a message that trans students “are not valued” on campus. Noah Ciolino, an 18-year-old freshman with irritable bowel syndrome, relocated within his dormitory because his previous suite lacked a single-occupancy bathroom. He worries about emergencies if the only gender-neutral restroom on his floor is occupied.

The bathroom policy is not the only change at the university. On Friday, President Neville Pinto announced a rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following an executive order by President Donald Trump eliminating DEI in higher education. In a letter to students, Pinto said the school is removing DEI references across websites and materials while evaluating jobs and programs to ensure compliance.

On Monday, hundreds of students and staff gathered on campus to protest the DEI rollback, according to NBC affiliate WLWT. Christian Caffey, a student assistant at the school’s LGBTQ Center, criticized the announcement, saying, “I spent three years helping make a space where students feel welcome. That email felt like a shot to the heart.”