'Woke' anti-Israel protesters face warning of prison time

Ohio AG Dave Yost

Ohio's Republican Attorney General is responding to critics following his caution that individuals participating in anti-Israel protests while wearing masks could potentially face imprisonment under state law.
 

Ohio AG Dave Yost emphasized the protection afforded by the First Amendment, allowing individuals to express their views, even if they are considered hateful. However, he pointed out that the First Amendment serves as a shield against government interference, not as a weapon against fellow students who also have rights. 
 

Disruption

Yost highlighted the importance of balancing free speech rights with the rights of others to access education and campus facilities without disruption. In a letter dispatched on Monday, Yost alerted university leaders to a longstanding state law that could lead to serious consequences for masked anti-Israel demonstrators at college campuses, potentially resulting in felony charges.
 

The historical context

Ohio's Attorney General, in an interview with Fox News, explained the historical context of the state law in question. Originating in the 20th century, the law aimed to hold groups like the Ku Klux Klan accountable. 
 

Ku Klux Klan

The Ku Klux Klan's use of hoods and masks to conceal their identities while committing crimes prompted the Ohio General Assembly to introduce measures targeting masked criminal activities conducted by groups. The law views committing crimes while masked with two or more individuals as a more serious offense due to the deliberate attempt to hide one's identity during unlawful acts.
 

The anti-disguise law

In his communication to Ohio universities, Yost emphasized that violating the 'anti-disguise' law constitutes a fourth-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of six to 18 months of imprisonment. Offenders may also face fines of up to $5,000 and up to five years of community control, a penalty more severe than typical misdemeanors associated with student protests.

 

External activists

Students and external activists have frequently worn face coverings during protests, citing reasons such as concerns related to the coronavirus or fears of retaliation. Yost highlighted that individuals expressing fear of reprisals in interviews often cite concerns about potential consequences. He questioned the source of these reprisals, suggesting that university administrations, aligned with woke ideologies and supportive of pro-Palestine narratives, would not penalize students for their views. 
 

Enforcement of laws

Instead, he pointed to the enforcement of laws by criminal justice authorities, emphasizing that heightened scrutiny aims to address actions like arson and trespassing.
 

Yost's letter

Following the circulation of Yost's letter, which he described as a simple reminder of the legal repercussions for unlawful behavior, criticism emerged from some individuals on the left. Ohio Democratic State Sen. Bill DeMora strongly condemned Yost in a press release, labeling him as "disgusting" and criticizing his interpretation of the law as "pigheaded." DeMora's statement concluded with a sharp remark directed at Yost regarding the handling of his letter.
 

Excessive

Yost responded to the criticism by stating that he believes the backlash is excessive. He clarified that his letter simply serves as a reminder to avoid unintentionally committing felonies. 
 

Wearing a mask

The law in Ohio only applies if individuals engage in criminal activities with two or more people while wearing a mask. Yost expressed confusion over how providing guidance on lawful behavior could be perceived as intimidating or offensive. Regarding the criticism from Bill DeMora, Yost suggested that DeMora's response may be influenced by his political affiliations as a Democratic operative within the DNC Central Committee. Yost emphasized the importance of upholding societal rules and ensuring freedom for all individuals.
 

The Jewish community

Yost also mentioned his efforts to engage with the Jewish community in Ohio, including a recent meeting with Israel's deputy counsel, aimed at enhancing the protection of Jewish individuals in the state.
 

Safeguarding

Expressing his concerns, Yost emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including the right to protest while also protecting the rights of students who are focused on their studies, as well as the surrounding communities near universities. 

 

Growing lawlessness

He highlighted the necessity of taking decisive and fair actions to uphold laws that ensure the protection of everyone, expressing worry over the growing lawlessness evident in various aspects, from border security issues to challenges in law enforcement at the federal level.
 

Violent actions

When addressing anti-Israel protesters engaging in violent actions while concealing their identities with masks, Yost indicated that he would remind them of historical figures who stood up for their beliefs without hiding their identities. 
 

Take ownership

Referencing icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, who courageously marched in Selma without masks, Yost urged protesters to take ownership of their expressions and uphold their beliefs while abiding by the law.