Delaware County Review

COLUMBUS – The House Higher Education Committee has approved House Bill 183, known as the Protect All Students Act, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Bird and Beth Lear. The legislation aims to protect all students in Ohio schools by mandating the designation of facilities for the exclusive use of students based on their biological sex.

"The bottom line of this legislation is to protect students. I don’t see that as a controversial issue,” emphasized Bird. He further explained, “Many Ohioans don't want their local schools to allow the opposite sex into a restroom or locker room. The Protect All Students Act will eliminate difficult situations for school leaders and will create consistent policies across the state.”

Expressing gratitude, Lear stated, “We are grateful to the House Higher Education Committee for doing what is right and what is best for all Ohio students in Kindergarten through college.” She highlighted the importance of the legislation, mentioning, “The Protect All Students Act, originally drafted by former State Representative Kris Jordan, will keep our children safe from exposure to the opposite sex while in private spaces like restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations.”

The bill sponsors introduced this legislation in response to concerns raised by Ohioans regarding the access of the opposite sex to restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations in schools. The aim is to provide a safer and more secure environment for students across the state.

The Protect All Students Act has now been passed by the House Higher Education Committee and will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.