COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University President Ted Carter issued a statement Monday saying that rules will continue to be enforced after dozens of people were arrested during protests on the school’s main campus last week.
The crowds of people have been gathering to support Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
On Thursday night, 36 people were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing.
Ohio State University spokesperson Ben Johnson said 16 of the people arrested were Ohio State students and 20 of them were not affiliated with the university.
Earlier in the day on Thursday, three people were arrested.
Carter said the arrests came after repeated warnings.
“We have been abundantly clear in a multitude of communications that Ohio State has and will enforce the law and university policy, which is what we did on April 25,” his statement read in part.
Setting up an encampment was among the rules violated by students during the protest, according to the university. Carter said encampments create a need for around-the-clock safety and security resources – taking resources away from the rest of the community.
Carter said despite the warnings, student organizations and outside entities promoted morning and evening activities as “encampments,” and the university consistently informed the groups that this is prohibited and would not be permitted.
Around 5:30 p.m., a group of more than 300 reportedly crossed College Road to the South Oval and set up an encampment. Over the next five hours, Carter said the group proceeded to establish and build upon the encampment while being repeatedly warned.
The Ohio State University Police Division made the decision to begin arrests after numerous warnings.
“I acknowledge that even with additional facts about the incident and the timeline of events, some will continue to disagree with the actions taken,” Carter’s statement read. “I accept that criticism and will always listen to others’ concerns. In short, I take my responsibilities very seriously and am accountable for outcomes. Arrests are not an action that I or any member of the administration take lightly. I have stated since the first day I was announced as president that safety will not be compromised.”
Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have popped up on an increasing number of U.S. college campuses following last week’s arrest of more than 100 demonstrators at Columbia University.
The students are calling for universities to separate themselves from any companies that are advancing Israel’s military efforts in Gaza — and in some cases from Israel itself. Protests on many campuses have been orchestrated by coalitions of student groups.
The groups largely act independently, though students say they’re inspired by peers at other universities.
Many colleges have called for the cancellation of commencement. Ohio State says it is not considering canceling commencement at this time and will adjust staffing and public safety plans if needed.
The school said on its website, "Pursuant to Ohio state law, state entities cannot divest interests in Israel. Ohio Revised Code Section 9.76 prohibits the university from divesting any interests in Israel and prohibits adopting or adhering to a policy that requires divestment from Israel or with persons or entities associated with it."