Ohio State updates its policies after pro-Palestinian protests in the spring

See previous coverage of the protests in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio State updated its university space standards over the summer after more than 40 people were arrested in protests at the end of spring semester.

“The university has updated its University Space Standards with input from students, faculty and staff, to improve clarity and add detail on the appropriate use of our spaces,” Ohio State said in a news release.

A new portion on timing and duration of events said events not approved or sponsored by the university can no longer end after 10 p.m. Events requesting a later end time must be confined to a 24-hour period, not be in the same or adjacent space for multiple days and must be officially approved, according to the standards, which is consistent with previous guidelines.

The university also updated a section on tents and temporary structures, stating each must use a weighting system that is approved by the university's facilities department and do not penetrate the ground. 

The standards added a definitions section of the guidelines. This portion includes definitions of registered student organizations, restricted noise, “university authorized activity” and “with an intent to disrupt.”

Finally, the standards include updated wording that says the university has a commitment to free speech. In new phrasing, the university states it will assure the right of free expression while “ensuring safe and effective operation of the business of the university.”

Last April and May, dozens were arrested and hundreds gathered to protest the war in Gaza. In an April 29 letter, university President Ted Carter said encampments were in violation of the space rules and said protesters were warned before the university decided to begin arrests. 

“What occurred on our campus on April 25 was not about limiting free speech,” Carter said. “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.”

In June, four people were fined $50 each after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct for their actions in the protests, a reduced charge accompanying the plea. Initially, they were charged with criminal trespass. Other cases are still underway. 

This is just one of several updates the university has made as students return to campus. Ohio State announced it also has a new initiative called “Listen. Learn. Discuss.” dedicated to encouraging productive civil discourse.

“Ohio State expects members of our community to contribute to an environment where trust and respectful dialogue are the norm — not the exception,” university spokespeople said in a Friday news release. 

The university also updated its freedom of expression webpage, which outlines policies for student speech. 

Finally, Ohio State said via news release it will be participating in a one-time pilot trial this election. On Nov. 5, the university will have a university-wide day of asynchronous learning to accommodate student participation in the election process. According to the university, classes that are not asynchronous will be asked to provide take-home course work in lieu of classes that day.