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What do protesters at Miami University want? What has the university said? What to know

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What do protesters at Miami University want? What has the university said? What to know


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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“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.





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Ohio Goes to the Movies announces lineup for free, yearlong statewide film festival

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Ohio Goes to the Movies announces lineup for free, yearlong statewide film festival


CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio Goes to the Movies, the statewide film festival launching in February, is coming into focus. Organizers have released the initial schedule for the nearly yearlong event. Part of the state’s America 250 celebration, it will bring more than 280 screenings to all 88 counties. Each film is tied to the Buckeye State in some way, and all screenings are free.

“Ohio has played a significant role in the history of American film and continues to attract talent, productions and storytelling that resonate around the world,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Ohio Goes to the Movies ensures that residents in every community can participate in the America 250 celebration and rediscover the films that connect us.”

From classic movies starring or made by Ohioans to Hollywood blockbusters shot in downtown Cleveland, the lineup highlights the depth of the state’s influence on the film industry. The festival is also meant to encourage movie fans to explore the state by attending screenings all over Ohio.

Here’s a list of events planned for Northeast Ohio’s seven-county region.

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CUYAHOGA COUNTY

“Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Feb. 12. Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall.

“Major League.” March 1. Cinemark Strongsville at SouthPark Mall.

“Draft Day.” March 1. Cinemark Valley View.

“Welcome to Collinwood.” March 12. Cleveland History Center.

“Major League.” April 5. Capitol Theatre.

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“Cool Hand Luke.” April 12. Cedar Lee Theatre.

“Draft Day.” April 23. Atlas Cinemas at Shaker Square.

“Toy Story 2.” June 24. Chagrin Documentary Film Festival HQ.

“The Scarlet Letter.” July 11. Cleveland Silent Film Festival at Cleveland Public Library.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” July 11. Great Lakes Science Center.

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“More Than a Game.” Sept. 11. AMC Ridge Park Square.

“Superman.” Sept. 18. AMC Westwood Town Center.

“Passing Through.” Sept. 19. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque.

“Kill the Irishman.” Oct. 6. Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore.

GEAUGA COUNTY

“A Christmas Story.” June 11. Mayfield Road Drive-In Theatre.

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LAKE COUNTY

“White Boy Rick.” March 11. Regal Willoughby Commons.

“Superman.” April 8. Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes Stadium.

“Air Force One.” July 7. Atlas Cinemas Diamond Center.

LORAIN COUNTY

“The Princess Bride.” April 22. Apollo Theatre.

“The Hunger Games.” Sept. 18. Regal Cobblestone Square.

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MEDINA COUNTY

“Major League.” March 7. Hickory Ridge Cinema.

“Draft Day.” Sept. 12. Regal Medina.

PORTAGE COUNTY

“Unstoppable.” Feb. 22. Atlas Cinemas Barrington.

“Dog Man.” March 8. The Kent Stage.

“The Philadelphia Story.” March 19. Kent State University Museum.

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“A Christmas Story.” June 10. Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre.

SUMMIT COUNTY

“The Big Short.” Feb. 21. Regal Hudson.

“The Avengers.” April 12. Akron Civic Theatre.

“Howard the Duck.” May 21. The Nightlight Cinema.

“Down by Law.” June 13. Akron–Summit County Public Library Main.

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For a complete guide, go to ohiogoestothemovies.org.



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Multiple homes destroyed by fire in Meigs County, Ohio

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Multiple homes destroyed by fire in Meigs County, Ohio


A fire destroyed one home and damaged two others Wednesday evening, but then rekindled early Thursday morning and destroyed another home, police said.

The fire was first reported just after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday night in the 300 block of Wetzgall Street in Pomeroy, according to a press release from the Pomeroy Police Department.

According to police, the fire spread to the two homes on either side of the original home on fire. Firefighters contained the fire and saved the two surrounding homes, but the home that first caught fire was deemed a total loss.

Then, just after 3 a.m. on Thursday morning, the fire rekindled and spread to one of the other homes, resulting in a total loss of that home as well, police said.

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Pomeroy police said both homes were occupied at the time of the fires, but all occupants of each home were able to exit their homes safely. Police also said that there were no reported injuries, though both families lost everything they owned due to the total losses of the homes.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, and the incident is still under active investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to police.



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DOE aims to end Biden student loan repayment plan. What it means for Ohio

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DOE aims to end Biden student loan repayment plan. What it means for Ohio


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  • The Department of Education has agreed to a settlement to end the Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan.
  • Over seven million borrowers currently on the SAVE plan will need to select a new repayment program if the court approves the settlement.
  • Ohio has about 1.7 million student loan borrowers and over $60 billion in debt. The average student loan debt in the state is approximately $35,072.

Student loan borrowers under the Biden-era student loan repayment plan, Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), may soon have to select a new repayment plan after the U.S. Department of Education agreed to a measure to permanently end the program.

A proposed joint settlement agreement announced Tuesday between the DOE and the State of Missouri seeks to end what officials call the “illegal” SAVE program, impacting more than seven million SAVE borrowers who would have to enroll in another program. The settlement must be approved by the court before it can be implemented.

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Ohio borrowers carry some of the nation’s highest student loan debt. Here’s how the proposed change could affect them.

What is the SAVE plan?

Originally known as REPAYE, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan was created to deliver the lowest monthly payments among income-driven repayment programs. Under the Biden administration, it became the most affordable option for borrowers.

According to USA TODAY, the SAVE plan was part of Biden’s push to deliver nearly $200 billion in student loan relief to more than 5 million Americans. It wiped out $5.5 billion in debt for nearly half a million borrowers and cut many monthly payments down to $0.

But officials in President Donald Trump’s administration claim the Biden plan was illegal.

Why does the Department of Education want to end the SAVE plan?

The DOE says the SAVE plan aimed to provide mass forgiveness without congressional approval, costing taxpayers $342 billion over 10 years. In a press release, the Department said the administration promised unrealistically low payments and quick forgiveness without legal authority.

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“The Trump administration is righting this wrong and bringing an end to this deceptive scheme,” Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said in a release. “Thanks to the State of Missouri and other states fighting against this egregious federal overreach, American taxpayers can now rest assured they will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for illegal and irresponsible student loan policies.”  

If the agreement is approved by the court, no new borrowers will be able to enroll in the SAVE plan. The agency says it will deny any pending applications and move all SAVE borrowers back into other repayment plans.

Borrowers currently enrolled in the SAVE Plan would have a limited time to select a new repayment plan and begin repaying their student loans.

The DOE adds that it is working on the loan repayment provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, which created a new Income-Driven Repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), that will be available to borrowers by July 1, 2026.

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How many people in Ohio have student loan debt?

Numbers from the Education Data Initiative show that there are about 1.7 million student loan borrowers in Ohio, carrying over $60 billion in debt. The average student loan debt is approximately $35,072.

Ohio also ranks No. 10 among the states with the most student debt, according to personal finance site WalletHub.

How much money does Ohio get from the Department of Education?

The DOE budget for Ohio for fiscal year 2025 is estimated to be more than $5.65 billion, The Columbus Dispatch previously reported.

President Trump announced his intentions to eliminate the Department of Education earlier this year, meaning that Ohio could lose more than $5 billion in annual funding.



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