YSU students rally amid policy change

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Youngstown State University has updated its administrative policy on the use of university grounds for “expressive activities” effective May 1, just ahead of a student rally.

Students and community rally

Friday at noon, students gathered for an “end of year rally” outside of Pollock House. The rally is described as “a community reflection on Johnson’s first semester.”

A couple dozen people, roughly half of them active students, gathered outside Pollock House, Johnson’s official residence as university president. Some carried signs and spoke about their continuing frustration with university administrators — and Johnson in particular — who they claim don’t take student concerns into account.

“He is here now, and he was unjustly, like wrongly appointed by our board of trustees without community input,” said Rose McClurkin, a current YSU student. “Which has constantly been an issue. And yes, we’re protesting against him now because he is here and he is the administration that can change these choices.”

“Without students, there is no university,” said Susie Beiersdorfer, a former YSU faculty member. “Without teachers and staff, there is no university. And to have an administration talking about this as a business and students are products, that is just inexcusable.”

The protest included the burning of Ed O’Neill’s honorary degree. O’Neill previously announced plans to return his honorary doctorate after the controversy surrounding the recent hiring of the university’s new president , Bill Johnson.

Officials with YSU offered no response to the group’s rally.

Policy update on “expressive activities”

An email was sent to YSU students Thursday morning informing them of the policy development.

The policy prohibits, in part:

• Amplified sounds and other loud noises
• Tents or temporary structures
• Open flames
• Leaving trash, litter, materials or pollutants of any kind on university grounds

In addition, no signs, structures or equipment may be fastened, attached or staked to university grounds/property, and unmanned signs are prohibited. The policy states its purpose is, “to ensure safety and security provisions as well as ensure free speech rights and responsibilities.”

Violations of the policy may result in suspension or expulsion; and applicable charges for littering, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and/or termination of employment. For the full policy, click here .

Hanna Erdmann contributed to this report.

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