Two Ohio University students were arrested during a demonstration outside a board of trustees meeting
By: Joshua Hoerner
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Two Ohio University students were arrested during a demonstration Thursday afternoon that started outside and migrated inside a building where the board of trustees was meeting.
The students were charged with criminal trespass. Their names have not yet been released. Ohio University police said in a statement the students violated the university’s indoor use policy.
Several student organizations came together for the protest, voicing a number of concerns about the university and its policies.
“We’re here today because of our walkout and rally that was meant to protest the university’s overcompliance with Senate Bill 1, their lack of recognition for our ICE-out demands, them suing the faculty union and rejecting the referendum that students overwhelmingly voted for,” said Ohio Student Association Vice President Tylar Ayers.
Senate Bill 1 among many other things required Ohio universities to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Ohio University in response closed its women’s center, multicultural center and its pride center for LGBT students. The referendum Ayers referred to called on the university to divest from the State of Israel.
Many of the demonstrators ended up inside Walter Hall, where the trustees were meeting. Some demonstrators entered the meeting room, and when it reached capacity the others were told to leave the building and continue their demonstrations outside, according to university police.
A few students remained inside. Video footage captured by WOUB shows one was holding a small cardboard sign. Officers moved to escort the student out a side door but the student pivoted to remain inside.
“I’m not allowed to hold a sign in a building?” the student asked. An officer then placed handcuffs on the student and escorted them out.
The university issued a statement saying it supports an “expressive campus environment.”
“However, those who choose to take their right to free expression beyond the established boundaries of the law and violate existing university policies will be held accountable for their actions.”