fastened to the building. But, of course, there are no signs prohibiting trespass or entry into the fenced off area. Students go there for adventure and to take photographs. They go there to tell ghost stories and to search for forgotten memories. They go there during the day and at midnight. They wander around inside the corridors or stand with cameras inside the fence. And they get busted.
Another student has come into my office to tell me that he has received a ticket for trespassing at the Old Beacon School on The Ridges. It's the boarded-up old building on top of the hill by the water tower. The back has a gaping hole in the fence, and there are signs warning of Danger and Asbestos fastened to the building. But, of course, there are no signs prohibiting trespass or entry into the fenced off area. Students go there for adventure and to take photographs. They go there to tell ghost stories and to search for forgotten memories. They go there during the day and at midnight. They wander around inside the corridors or stand with cameras inside the fence. And they get busted.
Judge Grim has ruled on two occasions that regardless of the fact that there are no signs prohibiting trespass or entry into that area, the fence with the gaping hole is enough. The Ohio University Police Department does not seem inclined to ignore your presence, and they will file trespass charges. The fact that you are a student and it is university property is no defense. The fact that the signs are missing is no defense. The fact that the police know that you will be drawn into the area by the mystery of the old ruin is no defense. You will have to pay several hundred dollars, have jail time over your head, and have a criminal record. You will probably also have to go to Judiciaries and be put on probation - or suspended if you are already on probation - and perhaps fined as well. Believe me, it is not worth it. Stay away from that building and the fenced-in area. Go for a hike instead. (And stay out of the Tunnels as well.)
Patrick McGee is the managing attorney for the Center for Student Legal Services.
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Opinion
