Dozens of protesters demanding OSU divest from Israel detained
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – After protesters calling for Ohio State University to divest from Israel took over the South Oval on campus, police interfered and detained multiple people.
Students and protesters at OSU rallied Thursday evening for the third time this week. Two students were arrested Tuesday on campus and three more were detained Thursday morning during an encampment demonstration.
On Thursday night, protesters took over the South Oval, and were surrounded by police officers as of 11 p.m. They were told to leave several times, but around 10 p.m. police moved in and began detaining protesters. Police continued to ask people to leave or they are under arrest for criminal trespassing.
The protesters were in a circle locking arms, trying to keep police from penetrating their formation. Dozens of protesters have been dragged out one by one and placed on buses waiting.
Hundreds of students and other protesters were at the demonstration wearing both Palestinian and Israeli flags. A major point of concern from both sides is safety. NBC4 spoke to a Jewish student who showed up to say he is not afraid and that he and other Jewish students aren't going anywhere.
"Obviously, with everything going around, lots of students, a lot of Jewish students have been harassed, especially at Columbia,” said Adam Kling. “It's a little disappointing to see the reaction some of the administrations have had."
NBC4 also spoke to a Palestinian American alum of Ohio State who said this uprising of support for Palestine is not a threat to safety, and they feel the university is trying to silence them.
"I don't believe there's been any threat towards anyone,” said Mazen Resoul. “The organizers of those protests in Ohio State and across the country, include a lot of Jewish forces for peace, and non-Zionist jews who are against what's happening in Palestine."
A university spopkesperson sent the following statement:
“Well established university rules prohibit camping and overnight events. Demonstrators exercised their first amendment rights for several hours and were then instructed to disperse. Individuals who refused to leave after multiple warnings were arrested and charged with criminal trespass.”
Police continued to clear tents from the lawn as of 11 p.m.