Ohio University Police Department will be searching all bags before tonight’s senate meeting at 7:15 p.m., according to Student Senate President Megan Marzec.
Bags and packages may be searched by the Ohio University Police Department at tonight's Student Senate meeting, according to a release sent by the police department.
Additionally, Student SpeakOUt will be at the end of the meeting; it usually follows the meeting's call to order, according to a release sent by the body.
After the call to order, only students recognized by President Megan Marzec or her designee will be able to address the body, the release stated.
This is in response to the "large attendance and disturbance" at last week's meeting, the release from OUPD stated. Only 150 people will be allowed at the meeting, which begins at 7:15 p.m., in compliance with the maximum occupancy of the room.
OUPD has the right to shut down the meeting if it becomes "unsafe or unlawful," the release stated.
“We have been tracking several claims that large contingents of people are planning to attend tonight’s meeting, but in working with multiple partners, have not been able to substantiate any of these claims," said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers. "I am confident that we are taking appropriate measures given the circumstances.”
According to the release, OUPD has been working with out-of-state agencies and intelligence-gathering partners to try "to asses potential threats."
OUPD has not received any additional reports of threats toward Senate President Megan Marzec, according to the release.
Marzec said she does not support OUPD's decision to search bags.
Anyone who disrupts the meeting will be removed and possibly arrested, the release stated.
Last week, four students were arrested at the meeting.
Marzec’s “blood bucket” challenge video posted Sept. 2 asked for OU to divest from Israel and has led to heated feedback, including from groups such as Bobcats for Israel.
Anyone receiving specific threats is encouraged to contact the OUPD at 740-593-1911.
