This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Two students were arrested Thursday during a class walkout on College Green, where Ohio University students gathered at noon to protest the Board of Trustees meeting.
The demonstration, titled “Your Disrespect Is Visible,” was organized by the Ohio Student Association as part of a week of action called “The Students Stand United.”
According to a statement from Ohio University Police Department released after 5 p.m., the arrests occurred shortly before 1 p.m. after a group of approximately 75 people entered Walter Hall while carrying signs and using a bullhorn to attend the Board of Trustees meeting.
OUPD said individuals were admitted into the Governance Chamber until it reached capacity, and the remaining demonstrators were told to continue protesting outside in accordance with university policy.
Police said the group initially refused to leave, blocking the main hallway and engaging in what OUPD described as “loud and disruptive behavior.”
After repeated warnings and multiple orders to disperse, two individuals who “continued refusing to leave” were arrested on criminal trespass charges, according to the statement.
Student being taken away in handcuffs from class walkout by the Ohio University Police Department.
Police said none of the protesters resisted arrest and no injuries were reported. Both students have since been released.
In a statement to The Post, Sam Pelham, a university spokesperson, said OU supports free expression but demonstrations must remain within legal and policy boundaries.
“Those who choose to take their right to free expression beyond the established boundaries of the law and violate existing University policies will be held accountable for their actions,” Pelham wrote in an email.
Pelham said the university will educate students on free expression policies while supporting their right to “legally express their views.”
