COLUMBUS (WCMH)– The Ohio State University says Brutus Buckeye will not march in Saturday’s Columbus Pride parade due to “expressed safety concerns.”
Ohio State University confirmed the news to NBC4 on Wednesday. This would have been Brutus’s first Pride appearance, and the first appearance of a Division I athletics mascot at a Pride parade.
The Columbus Ohio Gay Lesbian & Ally Hockey Association invited mascots from several local teams, including the Columbus Crew, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Columbus Clippers. The organization said the other mascots are still scheduled to appear in the parade. OSU President Michael Drake is also scheduled to march.
The university released the following statement:
The Ohio State University unequivocally supports diversity and inclusive excellence. As has been the case for years, the university will take part in the Columbus Pride Festival and Parade, including a campus-wide group of faculty, staff, students and senior officials led by President Michael Drake. A student pep band and the university police chief are also attending the #ColumbusStrong Rally on Thursday. The spirit program made the difficult decision to withdraw Brutus due to expressed safety concerns. Ohio State looks forward to participating throughout the events.
Karla Rothan, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, said she understands OSU’s decision.
“It’s a very hard costume to wear and a big crowd. And the visibility is tough, it’s hard to see if somebody’s coming to the side of you, behind you. It’s really tough,” she said. “So I’m fine with their decision and I hope that they all have a great time, whoever comes out from OSU. They’ve always been very supportive of us, so I’m sure they will continue to be and I think the reasons that they have are valid for them and I think it’s fine.”
The university said no one would be available for further comment Wednesday night.Reporter Olivia Fecteau is following this story and will have the latest coming up on NBC4 at 11. For more stories right now, grab our free news app for iPhone or Android.What others are clicking on:
