On Tuesday, Senate Bill 104 will go into effect, requiring colleges to change multi-occupancy gender-neutral bathrooms into single-sex or single-occupancy facilities. While Kenyon is complying with the law, it has also signaled support for students at Kenyon who will be negatively impacted by this bill. Though we understand the difficult position Kenyon is in, we firmly believe that Kenyon should do more to support trans and nonbinary students. 

First things first: You belong here — no matter who you are or what your gender identity is. For many people, this bill will directly undermine that sense of belonging. This is all the more reason for Kenyon to make an extra effort to accommodate gender-nonconforming students. 

For example, Kenyon might prioritize trans and nonbinary students during the housing selection process to ensure they have access to a preferred bathroom. Many residence halls will have limited options for students; some residence halls will not have convenient access to a gender-neutral bathroom with a shower. Considering this, the administration and the Office of Residential Life should work to strategically place students in spaces where they will feel most comfortable. In other residence halls, Kenyon should apply the same strategy it used in Manning and Bushnell Halls: converting some multi-occupancy bathrooms into single-occupancy by removing access to additional stalls. 

Supporting trans and nonbinary students is the right thing to do. Kenyon’s community is at its best when it is expansive and welcoming to all. Providing support and protection for marginalized students will only further the College’s effort to create a “thriving, diverse community” in its third century. Despite the legal pressures it faces, Kenyon is able to take concrete steps to make everyone feel supported. 

This editorial was written by editors-in-chief Katie Sparvero ’25 and Audrey Baker ’25 and managing editor Annalia Fiore ’25. You can contact them at sparvero1@kenyon.edu, baker10@kenyon.edu and fiore1@kenyon.edu, respectively.