Chalking Ban Sparks Free Speech Debate | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 27, 2026 · 2m

An Ohio state senator sparked a free speech showdown by chalk­ing “Welcome Back Students!!! GO BUCKS!” on campus — only to find it banned by Ohio State University. The university, citing administrative strain and complaints, shut down chalking in 2025 — a move the ACLU of Ohio calls a targeted suppression of pro-Palestine and anti-Zionist views, threatening legal action. Senator Bill DeMora, who met with the university president and insists the ban violates state law and First Amendment rights, vows to fight back, arguing that even unpopular messages deserve protection — as long as they’re…