Several Ohio State University students have been sanctioned by the university for their actions in the off-campus disturbances occurring on Nov. 19. All but one of the sanctioned students had been arrested by Columbus police on charges ranging from having an open container of alcohol to air pollution (adding materials to uncontained trash fires). The other student was identified through an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers. Another individual, identified in some early news reports as an Ohio State student, was determined not to have ever enrolled in Ohio State and, therefore, was not included in the university's review.

Each of the students was sent a letter outlining his or her sanctions, which were imposed by William H. Hall, interim vice president for student affairs. President William E. Kirwan had asked Hall to investigate the conduct of the arrested students, as well as any others who could be positively identified as participating in crimes of violence. Hall interviewed each student and examined the arrest reports and other evidence before reaching his judgment on the appropriate penalties.

Three of the students have been suspended from Ohio State for winter quarter - meaning that they will not be permitted to enroll in classes or participate in other official student activities. These students will also serve two quarters of probation when they return to Ohio State and are required to take part in an alcohol assessment.

Other sanctions imposed include two- and three-quarter probations, written warnings, community service obligations and alcohol assessments. One student was given only an oral warning.

The university, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, will not identify the students or their individual sanctions.

"The appalling behavior of a few of our students during this event called for swift and strong action," Hall said. "The university means to send a strong message to our students that arson, disorderly conduct, property destruction and the like will not be tolerated. At the same time, we have tried to be fair and consistent in applying discipline. I am confident, after speaking individually with these students, that they are now fully aware of the consequences of their actions."

Hall noted that the university was disappointed that the perpetrators of the most violent acts, such as the stabbing of one student, smashing windshields and overturning cars and the numerous arson incidents, were not identified and prosecuted.

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