Ohio State University: Student Group Suspended After Social Media Post Accused It of Supporting Terrorism

On December 13, 2023, Ohio State University suspended registered student group Central Ohio Revolutionary Socialists (CORS), pending investigation, due to “reasonable cause to believe [the] organization’s activities pose a significant risk of substantial harm to the safety or security” of group members or others. OSU alleged the group had violated the room reservation and signage policies and used the logo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terrorist organization, in its materials. OSU imposed the suspension two days after two social media accounts targeted the group on Instagram, describing CORS as “a school-approved club at [OSU] that openly supports terrorism and calls for the genocide of Jews.” On January 29, FIRE wrote to OSU urging it to reinstate the group and cease any further investigation based on its use of the PFLP’s logo, which is protected speech. On January 31, OSU officially lifted the suspension and reinstated CORS.