Two years ago, 10 Ohio State students were arrested during the early-morning riots following the Michigan game. This year, police and university officials are urging students to represent the university in a positive manner for the sake of everyone involved.
Ruth Gerstner, communications director for Student Affairs, said they do not anticipate a riot nor do they feel a riot control plan is necessary.
“We have confidence in the students and are not looking to make threats in order to avoid riot behavior,” Gerstner said. “Bill Hall and the administration have made their position on student behavior clear from past incidences.”
Gerstner said things have been relatively calm on campus lately and she is more concerned about students getting hurt in the mob-like crowds than she is about potential riots.
“With such a large amount of people being confined in one area, people tend to get overly excited and partake in activities they normally would not without the group influence,” Gerstner said. “Students can easily become injured because of crowd stampedes ,and there is also a higher incidence of sexual assaults that take place.”
Gerstner said students should remember to comply with the student code of conduct and failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
“When people have too much to drink and lose their common sense it only hurts themselves and the other students,” Gerstner said. “When you graduate, you don’t want to be known for holding a diploma from a party school.”
University Police Chief Ron Michalec said when students are disruptive it demeans the university and makes it appear as if OSU never wins games.
“We just ask for responsible behavior and for students to limit the amount of alcohol they drink,” Michalec said. “The fans need to remember that they are just spectators and if OSU wins, just be happy and go home.”
The riots in November 2000 produced fires, property damage and a stabbing. In addition, they cost Columbus taxpayers more than $80,000.
The Columbus Division of Police had to call for backup from other areas in the city and many officers were working extra shifts, receiving overtime pay to control the area.
Sherry Mercurio, spokeswoman for Columbus Police, said police presence will be noticeable although riots are not anticipated. Officers will be working their regular eight-hour shifts, but will not be wearing riot gear on gameday. However, they will be able to put it on quickly and respond accordingly, if necessary.
Parking will be prohibited on streets that have been problem spots in the past. Parking will not be permitted from 4 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday on Norwich, Chittenden, 11th, 12th and 13th avenues.
Mecurio said they expect people to celebrate and don’t care if they celebrate all night as long as they obey the law.
