COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers representing the Buckeye State in Washington have responded to the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests nationwide.
Recently, The Ohio State University has received some pushback for the way it handled a pro-Palestinian protest last week. Dozens of people were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing. Wednesday night, a large peaceful crowd returned to Ohio State University.
What You Need To Know
- Lawmakers representing Ohio in Washington say the University responded correctly to protests in the state
- Recently, legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives to expand the definition of antisemitism
- Lawmakers are calling it a balancing act, encouraging free speech, and acknowledging the importance of peaceful protests
Many of the lawmakers call the encouragement of free speech and the acknowledgement of the importance of keeping protests peaceful a balancing act.
Protesters at The Ohio State University are calling on the university’s President to divest from Israel. Ahead of a recent gathering, the school asked the Ohio State Highway Patrol to be prepared to help police if needed, and the university closed its public access to some buildings on campus.
“I think if you look at Ohio State University, I think President Carter jumped into this,” said Rep. Mike Carey. “He did the right things set up and said, ‘Listen, we’re not going to do that here at the Ohio State University.’ So, I applaud what President Carter did, and it’s unfortunate that it’s happened in these other universities.”
The lawmakers did not touch on protocols and said they believe everyone has a right to protest. However, they said people should do it properly and follow the laws in place. Lawmakers discussed First Amendment rights, and how everyone has them in the United States of America.
Some say it's time to move forward.
“It’s time for folks to go home,” said Rep. Greg Landsman. “I mean, they’ve made their point, and for those folks up here who support the protests, the best thing they can do for these kids is to say, ‘Go home.’ Otherwise, they’re going to ruin their lives, maybe they’re going to get suspended, they’re going to get expelled, they’re going to get arrested, they’re going to have all kinds of issues that they are going to have to deal with.”
The recent protest at The Ohio State University, and one near Cleveland, remained peaceful. Demonstrators are demanding a cease-fire overseas for victims affected by the Hamas-Israel war. They are also asking universities to divest from Israel. Greg Landsman, who is Jewish, is one of 12 members of Ohio’s delegation who voted in favor of a bill that would expand the government’s definition of antisemitism.
Opponents say the legislation limits free speech rights.