Ohio
What do protesters at Miami University want? What has the university said? What to know
Israel-Hamas war: Protests held at Ohio State over conflict in Gaza
Several student and community groups attended a demonstration at Ohio State University Wednesday evening to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Over the past week, universities across the nation have been at the center of pro-Palestine protests in which students have organized marches and encampments to demonstrate solidarity for an end to Israel’s war in Gaza.
In Ohio, protests have been reported at Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and most recently, Miami University in Oxford. The protest began Thursday evening with a march and concluded with an encampment at the University Seal, located right in the heart of campus outside of Roudebush Hall.
Here’s everything we know about the protest as of Friday evening:
Are protests allowed at Miami University?
Students are allowed to protest and march in outdoor areas of the campus. However, protests cannot disrupt teaching, research or previously scheduled events.
Are non-students protesting?
Miami University Students for Justice in Palestine, a student group that describes itself on social media as connected to the university, organized the pro-Palestine march and encampment. They were also joined by the university’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, according to a statement from the university.
According to university rules, non-students can only demonstrate on campus perimeter sidewalks designated by Miami, and have to comply with the same rule as staff and students.
What are the protesters demanding?
According to a statement from the Students For Justice in Palestine, the protest is to demand that Miami University disclose and divest its funds from companies involved in the “perpetuation of this genocide.”
More specifically, they want the university to stop investing in companies that do business with Israel.
“Miami students are joining together in solidarity to demand our university to disclose and divest its funds from the extremist Israeli genocide of Palestinians,” the statement reads.
The student group met with Miami University President Gregory Crawford on Wednesday, a day before Thursday’s protest, to present their demands of disclosure and divestment. However, their efforts were mostly unsuccessful, according to the statement from Student for Justice in Palestine.
What has the university said?
Shortly after the protesters had set up the encampment Thursday, Miami University issued a statement:
“The safety of our students is Miami University’s top priority, and that priority will guide university actions in this unfolding situation. Students for Justice for Palestine, a student organization, held a march this evening (May 2), and were joined by the Young Democratic Socialists of America. As with any demonstration, university staff have been present to maintain student safety and ensure that university policy is followed. Unfortunately, participants have chosen not to follow university policy. Those present have been informed that they are currently violating policy and must come into compliance.”
A number of protesters stayed at the encampment overnight and some are still there as of Friday afternoon.
The university issued a second statement Friday, saying the student organizations that set up the unauthorized encampment have since come into compliance with the university’s policy.
“Encampments create the need to provide continuous safety and security resources, which can divert these important resources away from the rest of our community,” the statement reads. “They can interfere with students’ ability to attend classes and prepare for finals and can strain the resources and facilities of the buildings located nearby. We continue to prioritize providing support and care for all of our students. Throughout this year, members of our student life staff have been in regular contact with students and student organizations discussing their concerns and supporting their well-being. We will continue to do so.”
What can’t protesters do?
Protesters are not allowed to use amplified sound, create temporary structures or leave behind literature. Miami also imposes safety measures, such as restrictions on campfires and outdoor camping.
Can Miami University have protesters arrested?
Demonstrations that block traffic or pedestrians, prevent access to a building or space, prevent a space from being used for its intended purpose or disrupt school activities could lead to an arrest, Miami’s website states.
Was there any opposition to the protest?
Enquirer media partner Fox19 reported that a group of Jewish students gathered across from the encampment in opposition. As of Friday evening, there were no reported clashes between any of the opposing groups.
Hillel, a Jewish student group at Miami University, said in a statement on social media that it is aware of the protest and is continuing to provide support to Jewish students.
“We are hopeful that the protest will be peaceful and that Miami affiliates will eschew the antisemetic language and incidents that have happened on other campuses,” the statement reads. “Our top priority is the physical and emotional safety of our students − first, foremost, and always.”
“While students have a right to protest, they do not have a right to intimidate or threaten Jewish and Israeli students − their classmates, peers, and for some, fellow Jews − who may have different viewpoints,” Hillel added in their statement.
Ohio
Remains of Ohio airmen killed in Iraq will be brought back March 29
Amanda-Clearcreek honors Ohio Air National Guard member Capt. Seth Koval
Amanda-Clearcreek honors Ohio Air National Guard member Capt. Seth Koval
The remains of three Ohio airmen who were killed in the crash of their KC-135 refueling plane in Iraq earlier this month will be returned this weekend, according to a family member of one of the deceased.
The airmen, identified as Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, and Capt. Seth Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, will be brought back March 29 to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base near Columbus, said Charles Simmons, Tyler’s father.
“Tyler will have a hero’s welcome, because he is a hero,” said Charles.
The Columbus Division of Police will be involved in the funeral procession when the airmen’s remains are transferred from the airport to funeral homes, said Columbus police Sgt. James Fuqua. That will take place between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. March 29, said Fuqua.
The airmen’s remains first arrived back in the U.S. on March 18 with a dignified transfer taking place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Curtis, Angst, and Simmons were members of the 166th Air Refueling Squadron connected to the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.
The airmen, as well as three other servicemembers, died on March 12 when their KC-135 tanker crashed in western Iraq during a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury in Iran. The cause of the crash, which occurred in friendly airspace, has not been publicly identified. U.S. Central Command has said the incident did not involve hostile or friendly fire, and military experts have theorized the crash may have been the result of a collision with a second KC-135 that sustained heavy damage to its tail fin but landed safely at an airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com.
Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
Ohio
Thousands head to Columbus for 23rd annual Home Improvement Show at Ohio Expo Center
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Thousands of people are expected to head to downtown Columbus for the 23rd annual Home Improvement Show this weekend.
Organizers say visitors can find ideas for everything from small interior design projects to major renovations.
The event is being held at the Ohio Expo Center and includes seminars, exhibits and demonstrations from local and national companies.
The show begins at noon Friday and runs until 6 p.m.
It continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adult tickets cost $5 at the door.
Ohio
Matt Patricia sought stability in return as Ohio State football defensive coordinator
Matt Patricia’s contract extension earlier this offseason included a pay raise that figures to make him the highest-paid assistant coach in college football this year.
But Patricia, who will make $3.75 million in guaranteed compensation as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2026, also held an appreciation for his situation.
“Ohio State is such a special place, not only just the history, the tradition, the football program, the school, but the people here,” Patricia said. “Having a chance to have a little stability with my family, it’s hard when you have to move your family around, your kids and the new school and all that.”
Before he joined Ryan Day’s staff last year, the 51-year-old Patricia had bounced around as an assistant in the NFL for much of the decade.
He spent 2021 and 2022 in a variety of roles with the New England Patriots, then a year as a defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. He took off from coaching in 2024. The frequent relocation gave him perspective.
“We had an unbelievable experience settling into Columbus,” Patricia said. “Everybody’s been so nice and welcoming. It feels like home. It’s a big deal for us to be in a place where everybody’s happy. That’s really important.”
Patricia had a significant impact on the Buckeyes in his first year replacing Jim Knowles. Despite heavy roster attrition following their national championship season, he kept the defense atop the Football Bowl Subdivision. For the second straight season, no one allowed fewer points than Ohio State.
The 9.3 points per game allowed by the Buckeyes were the fewest by any defense since Alabama in 2011.
The success made Patricia a hot commodity on the coaching market, rebuilding his reputation as a sharp and creative football mind only a decade removed from his tenure as a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator for the Patriots. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant.
Patricia said he heard about opportunities in the NFL and elsewhere across the college football landscape, though none of them would pry him away from Ohio State.
“It wasn’t necessarily something where you’re looking to leave,” Patricia said, “but you do have to listen when those things come up. I’m just glad everything worked out.”
His challenge in his second season mirrors his previous one, as the Buckeyes are again managing the loss of eight starters on defense.
But unlike 2025, they have fewer returning pieces, relying on a larger class of transfers to help fill the holes on the depth chart.
“With as much coming into the program for the first time, not only are you trying to catch them up on the football scheme, but you’re also trying to catch them up on everything else,” Patricia said. “This is how we work, this is how we do things, this is the standard we’re looking for, this is how we practice, this is how we prepare, this is how we go to school. That has to be also taught. It becomes a lot, but that’s why you bring in the right guys that have the mental makeup to do all that.”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.
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