An Ohio State University professor is on administrative leave following an incident where he tackled a cameraman attempting to film E. Gordon Gee, a former university president and current consultant, inside an academic building on Feb. 9.
Chase Center professor tackles person filming Gee
Luke M. Perez, an assistant professor affiliated with Ohio State’s Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, was placed on leave Feb. 10 “pending a full OSUPD investigation and thorough review of the facts,” according to OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson.
The incident occurred at Smith Lab after Perez’s “Profiles in American Leadership” class, which featured Gee as a guest lecturer. DJ Byrnes, a local blogger, and an unnamed cameraman approached Gee with questions after class. Byrnes, in his Feb. 11 newsletter, stated Gee preferred to answer questions in the hallway. Byrnes questioned Gee about his role in the Dr. Richard Strauss sexual abuse case, Jeffrey Epstein, and the privatization of OSU’s parking lots.
After Byrnes’ interview, the cameraman attempted to ask Gee a question. Perez then stepped in front of the cameraman, blocking his path. Video of the incident, according to reports, shows the cameraman taking a step back before Perez smacked a cell phone from his hand, swung at his head, and tackled him to the ground.
Perez reportedly told the cameraman, “I told you not to put that in my face,” and claimed the cameraman had “shoved that camera in my face.” Byrnes and the cameraman filed a police report with Ohio State’s police department.
Faculty, state senator calls out Perez’s actions
Ohio State’s American Association of University Professors chapter released a statement suggesting the incident contradicts the Chase Center’s stated mission. The statement noted concerns about the imposition of the Chase Center and similar centers on Ohio’s universities, arguing they do not necessarily promote civil discourse.
State Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) also responded, calling the incident “ironic” given the Chase Center’s stated commitment to “open inquiry and excellent scholarship.” He described Perez’s actions as “a truly cowardly act” and emphasized the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the professor being placed on leave?
Luke M. Perez was placed on administrative leave after tackling a cameraman attempting to film E. Gordon Gee inside an academic building.
What questions were being asked of E. Gordon Gee?
DJ Byrnes asked Gee about his role in the Dr. Richard Strauss sexual abuse case, Jeffrey Epstein, and his decision to privatize OSU’s parking lots.
What was the response from Ohio State University?
OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson stated the university is aware of the incident, finds it “very concerning,” and is conducting a full OSUPD investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences Perez may face and how this incident will impact the perception of the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society.
