The Ohio University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors reiterates its support of academic freedom. We have followed the recent protests and events at Columbia University and other universities, and we are deeply concerned about the implications of the response by university administration. We are also aware that events are continuing to unfold. Our Ohio University chapter also reiterates our condemnation of all forms of racism including anti-Semitism as well as anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism, all of which have spiked within the the wider US society during the past six months.

The Columbia University chapter of AAUP has also released a statement and we would like to reiterate our support. Their statement was as follows:

• We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Administration’s suspension of students engaged in peaceful protest and their arrest by the New York City Police Department.

• These acts violate the letter and the spirit of the University Statutes, shared governance,

• students’ rights, and the University’s absolute obligation to defend students’ freedom of speech and to ensure their safety.

• We demand that all Barnard College and Columbia University suspensions and charges be dismissed immediately and expunged from the students’ records, and that all rights and privileges be restored to them immediately.

• Last, we demand that no disciplinary action be taken against any student protesters without due process, and that no police be permitted on campus without serious consultation with the Executive Committee of the University Senate.

Universities are places of learning and also civic spaces where peaceful protest should be allowed. Academic freedom is a key freedom not only for professors but also for students. Arresting students for non-violent protest deeply undermines not only academic freedom but foundations of civil society.