At the University of Cincinnati, tensions rose as student Collin Miller, 21, was arrested for impeding an inflammatory demonstration on campus. According to an affidavit, Miller blocked and repeatedly bumped into preachers carrying signs with messages such as "Muslims are terrorists," and "Women are property." The Enquirer reports that nearby students from a pro-Palestine group were fundraising when Miller began waving a Palestine flag in front of them.
Further details by FOX19 explain that despite multiple warnings from police to desist, Miller continued to obstruct the preachers’ movement, leading to charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. After Miller's transport to the Hamilton County Justice Center, dozens of supporters rallied outside, chanting, "We freed Collin Miller!" after posting his $1,500 bond.
As the news of the arrest spread, students and campus organizations reacted with a protest calling for the immediate release of Miller. Laila Shaikh, president of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at UC, indicated in an interview with WCPO that Miller was simply "standing and holding a (Palestine) flag." Ameer Alkayali, also with SJP UC, criticized the police for protecting the preachers from spreading hateful rhetoric instead of addressing the concerns of student well-being.
A video posted on social media by SJP UC reportedly captures the moment officers attempted to arrest Miller. The WCPO report includes statements from Shaikh, who described the police's use of force as "abhorrently disgusting." Furthermore, Maxon Agosta from UC's Young Democratic Socialists of America has expressed the group's support for Miller throughout the arraignment process.
Miller is expected in court for these pending charges as the campus community grapples with the intersection of free expression and the perceived line between protest and interference. The outcome of his arraignment could have implications for campus policies and the balance between safety and speech rights at the University of Cincinnati.
