Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Monday warned university presidents about a historic state law that could expose masked anti-Israel protesters to felony charges on college campuses.
Violation of the so-called “masquerade prohibition law”, The law stipulates that “no person shall, wearing a white hat, mask, or other disguise, unite with two or more persons to commit a misdemeanor,” which is punishable by six to 18 months in prison. It is a fourth-degree felony.
“Those found guilty may pay a fine of up to $5,000 and spend up to five years on community control,” Yost wrote in Monday’s letter.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators demonstrate alongside New York City police lines outside the Columbia University campus on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in New York City. (Peter Garber, Fox News Digital)
“I don’t want to see anyone’s First Amendment rights taken away, and I don’t want to see anyone surprised that they broke the law,” Yost wrote. “The First Amendment is a shield against the government, not a sword against fellow students. Students should protest within the law and not commit crimes.”
“Second, they need to stand up for themselves and avoid wearing masks,” Yost said.
The law, enacted in 1953, prohibits individuals wearing masks or disguises from congregating to commit misdemeanors. Most anti-Israel demonstrators on university campuses were disguised or had their faces covered.
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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sent a warning letter to university presidents. (Bill Clark / Contributor / Anadolu / Contributor)
“At least some of our students around Ohio appear to be unaware of this law and the risks of their actions. You have the tools to fill that gap. As the semester draws to a close, students Let’s get him home safely.” — and has no shocking criminal history,” Yost said.
The anti-Israel camp shares characteristics with Marxist revolutionaries, BLM, and the KKK.
Anti-Israel demonstrations on university campuses. (Peter Garber)
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More than a dozen states have enacted anti-mask laws, many of which were enacted during the days of Ku Klux Klan rallies. In Ohio, 19 students, some wearing masks or face coverings, were recently arrested during an anti-Israel demonstration. Meanwhile, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said last week that he is investigating more than 40 arrests during the riot at Ohio State University.
