Hundreds of OSU students sit on the Oval in front of Thompson Library in protest of Senate Bill 1 and the university’s recent DEI rollbacks. When asked about her perspective on the speak-out, Brielle Shorter said “Last week when OSU sunsetted ODI, there were lots of tears, there was lots of pain, there were lots of hugs. Less than a week later, today, we are here in joy and celebration, because you cannot legislate us as human beings.”

Professor Hasan Kwame Jeffries speaks to a crowd of OSU students in front of the William Oxley Thompson statue: “It’s important that we understand that this isn’t isolated, in fact what happens at OSU doesn’t stay at OSU. If we cave, then others will cave; if we stand, others will stand. That’s important, that doesn’t just apply to the administration–that also applies to us, the broader Buckeye community. We must stand.” 

OSU students singing “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round” by The Roots. 

OSU students gather in front of Thompson Library to listen to student musicians.

Professor Paloma Martinez-Cruz speaks to a crowd of OSU students on the Oval in front of Thompson Library: “I get it–a poorly educated Ohio keeps them in power, and votes against their own interest,” speaking about OSU’s recent DEI rollbacks.

OSU students lead chants on the Oval in protest of Senate Bill 1 and the university’s DEI rollback: “SB1 is a war on people, censorship should be illegal.” 

Professor Pranav Jani speaks in front of the William Oxley Thompson statue, quoting Dr. King: “It is our duty to break unjust laws.”