Statement regarding disturbances

Contact: Elizabeth Conlisk

                                                                                                                (614) 292-3040

STATEMENT FROM THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

REGARDING FRIDAY’S OFF-CAMPUS DISTURBANCE

   COLUMBUS -- Ohio State President William E. Kirwan today expressed apologies to Columbus citizens for the extremely poor behavior last night of Ohio State students associated with out-of-control parties in the University District. The parties began on Chittenden Avenue near High Street and escalated into riotous behavior at approximately 1:30 a.m this morning.

Kirwan called the behavior “outrageous,” and expressed the university’s resolve to investigate the parties, identify those responsible and take appropriate action. Under the university’s newly revised Code of Student Conduct, expanded to encompass the entire University District, appropriate action could include expulsion.

“The university must be responsible for its students,” Kirwan said, “but we will not accept, nor tolerate, behavior that involves destruction of private property or harm to innocent bystanders.

“The people of Columbus and the university community are frustrated by these ongoing incidents, and on behalf of the university, I apologize for what has become a far-too-frequent occurrence.”

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