After withdrawing Wednesday, Brutus Buckeye will march in the Columbus Pride Parade once again.
Ohio State issued a statement stating the spirit program decided to reinstate Brutus.
Stonewall Columbus has also confirmed that Brutus will be apart of the parade.
The mascot had withdrawn from the parade Wednesday following the nightclub attack in Orlando that killed 49 and injured 53.
Full Statement from Ohio State:
"After additional consultation and reviews, the spirit program has decided to reinstate Brutus Buckeye in the Columbus Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday. Brutus will join a campus-wide group of faculty, staff and senior officials led by President Michael Drake and Athletics Director Gene Smith. Ohio State looks forward to participating throughout the weekend."
Former Brutus describes what it means to portray mascot
To many people he’s many things. He’s a symbol, an icon and a mascot. But to Chris Howard he was the mascot.
Howard, 25, donned the Brutus Buckeye costume 800 times from 2010 to 2014 while he was a student at The Ohio State University. It’s an experience that is proudly showcased in his home.
He said Brutus is more than football and pep rallies.
“Brutus is the one symbol that pulls in everything that is Ohio State,” he said.
Everything and everyone.
“Ohio State goes above and beyond to encourage diversity,” Howard said.
So when Ohio State decided to pull Brutus from this year’s Pride parade for safety reasons, following the shootings in Orlando, many people thought diversity was dividing. Some started a petition urging OSU to reconsider.
Howard, who was no stranger to large and hostile crowds, agreed with the school’s decision.
“I agree that if there is any concern for the safety of that student, who is inside the costume, there’s no question,” he said.
Thursday, OSU reconsidered saying “after additional consultation and reviews” Brutus will participate in Pride’s festival and parade.
He’s more than football. He’s a feeling. A symbol that unifies.
“Someone who is supporting you, reaching out to the community, trying to build a better tomorrow for everyone involved,” Howard said.