Hall gives trustees report on off-campus riots

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University continues to work with Columbus Police in seeking to identify students and others involved in the off-campus riots following the Michigan game, Bill Hall, vice president for student affairs, on Friday (12/6) told the university’s Board of Trustees Committee on Academic Affairs. On Wednesday (12/4), the university posted 45 photos on its web site, bringing the total to 54, to encourage people with information to come forward and identify those involved.

Hall outlined for trustees the extensive preparations undertaken by many university units in the weeks leading up to the game, activities for students on game day, and follow-up with university and Columbus officials after the riots took place.

In addition, the full board passed a resolution supporting the administration’s efforts to deal firmly with all identified perpetrators and to lead a broad-based effort with the entire community in creating a more positive and constructive university culture.

Since the initial photos and video were posted Nov. 27 on Ohio State’s web site, the university has received information that may link at least five more people to the riots, Hall said. The university forwarded the information to the Columbus Division of Police for follow-up investigation and possible arrest.

“We want to identify the persons shown engaged in destructive, violent activities and to hold them responsible for their actions,” Hall said.

Of the 69 individuals arrested or cited by Columbus and University Police, a total of 16 were Ohio State students (10 arrests and 6 citations), nine were Ohio State graduates and five were from other universities in the region.

All 10 arrested students were immediately suspended from the university. Following appeals, eight of them remain on interim suspension and two have been permitted to return to classes. Nine of them will face further judicial action. One of those arrested and the six cited for minor violations did not commit acts that fall within the jurisdiction of the university’s Code of Student Conduct.

While under suspension, students may not attend classes, live in residence halls or be on campus for any reason other than judicial hearings.Those living in residence halls were given several hours to pack their belongings and move out.

“It is important for those students who engaged in illegal and destructive behavior to accept personal responsibility – and face consequences – for their actions,” Hall said. “I think it is a shame that the actions of a few have taken away from Ohio State’s great victory. The one common denominator was excessive consumption of alcohol.”

Hall said the university has contacted universities in Ohio, the Big Ten and other areas to share the list of those arrested with officials.

He said Ohio State officials are disappointed that numerous university efforts were unsuccessful in preventing the riots. In the weeks before the annual football game, university officials met with property owners, the University Area Safety Committee and presidents of fraternities and sororities to discuss ways to prevent trouble in the off-campus area.

Student Affairs offered a number of post-game events, including a free concert at the Newport Music Hall and free food giveaways. Undergraduate Student Government also gave away free food to students on High Street and had others working to try to prevent disturbances.

Hall said university officials also used numerous vehicles to communicate to Ohio State fans how to celebrate appropriately. Among the efforts were: letters sent to students by Hall reminding them to celebrate responsibly; a Public Service Announcement campaign by University Relations that featured, among others, Archie Griffin, Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Spielman that promoted good sportsmanship; and more than 700 fliers distributed in the off-campus neighborhood to create awareness about the free concert and food giveaway.

In preparation for the Jan. 3 Fiesta Bowl, Hall said the university will remind students and party hosts that those whose parties grow out of control will face immediate suspension. In addition, Columbus Police will again institute a parking ban in the neighborhoods off High Street.