COLUMBUS, Ohio — Student demonstrations across Ohio are drawing reaction from state lawmakers who believe the Ohio State University protest was handled appropriately.
House Speaker Jason Stephens told a pool of reporters that it is important that protesters' First Amendment rights are protected, but he also said that schools have a responsibility to keep everyone safe.
"There are rules in place," Stephens said. "I think it's important that those rules are in place, regardless of what the protests are. And, you know, hopefully that everyone can be safe and also be able to express their First Amendment rights. But you also have to do that within the rules."
What You Need To Know
- Students, faculty and community members joined the protest in the South Oval area of Ohio State University's campus
- Law enforcement started to arrest protesters shortly after 10 p.m. last Thursday during the Ohio State University protest on campus
- House Speaker Jason Stephens believes the First Amendment should be respected, but so should campus rules
Protesters continue to call for a cease-fire in Gaza, and are asking university officials to divest from companies that support business ventures with Israel.
On Monday, police detained and released about 20 people on the Case Western Reserve University campus after they formed an encampment as part of the protest. Last week, a protest at Ohio State University led to more than three dozen people being arrested on criminal trespassing charges.
Ohio State University's President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. said in an email to faculty, staff and students that the protesters violated university policy.
“I value and welcome free speech," Carter said. "What occurred on our campus on April 25 was not about limiting free speech. It was an intentional violation of university space rules that exist so that teaching, learning, research, service and patient care can occur on our campuses without interruption.”
Another protest is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ohio State University's campus.