Anti-Israel radicals may face felony charge for breaking little known law.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently issued a warning to university presidents concerning a significant state law that could lead to masked anti-Israel demonstrators facing felony charges on college campuses.
The law in question, known as the “anti-disguise” law, prohibits individuals from uniting with two or more others to commit a misdemeanor while wearing masks, white caps, or other disguises. Violating this law is classified as a fourth-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of six to 18 months in prison. Offenders could also face fines of up to $5,000 and up to five years on community control.
In his letter on Monday, Yost emphasized the importance of upholding the law while respecting individuals’ First Amendment rights. He stated, “The First Amendment is a shield against the government, not a sword against fellow students. In the first place, students should protest within the bounds of the law and not commit crimes.”
Yost also highlighted the need for individuals to take ownership of their advocacy and refrain from wearing masks or disguises when engaging in demonstrations. The law, enacted in 1953, aims to prevent individuals from concealing their identities while committing misdemeanors. Many of the anti-Israel demonstrators on college campuses have been observed wearing masks or covering their faces.
Citing concerns about students being unaware of the law and the potential consequences of their actions, Yost urged university presidents to educate their students about the anti-disguise law. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that students protest peacefully and lawfully, especially as the semester comes to a close.
Notably, Ohio is not the only state with anti-mask laws. More than a dozen states have similar laws, many of which were introduced during the era of Ku Klux Klan rallies. In Ohio, recent demonstrations led to the arrest of 19 students, some of whom were wearing masks or facial coverings. Additionally, the Columbus City Attorney’s office is currently investigating over 40 cases of arrests related to unrest at Ohio State University.
As debates continue regarding the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining public safety, the enforcement of anti-disguise laws on college campuses has sparked discussions about the limitations of protest tactics. It remains to be seen how universities and students will navigate these legal considerations while advocating for their respective causes.
