51社区

As we begin to experience warmer temperatures this spring, those living off-campus may have the inclination to host gatherings. This message serves as a reminder to the 51社区 community that are required to follow the provisions outlined in the Presidential Health Directives and related to public gatherings.

Any gathering of 10 or more people would be in direct violation of the State Health Director鈥檚 order prohibiting public assemblies of 10 or more people, which includes festivals. As such, the City of Athens will not permit these events to take place as long as the Health Director鈥檚 order remains in effect.

Any attempt to assemble in violation of the Health Director鈥檚 order will result in immediate action by law enforcement, with charges for those in violation potentially including criminal offenses such as misconduct at an emergency, failure to disperse, and riot.

In addition to the criminal consequences, one or more of these charges could also result in suspension or dismissal from any public university in Ohio, as well as possible suspension of state funded financial aid for a period of up to two (2) years.

We cannot overstate the seriousness of this situation and thus, for the sake of everyone鈥檚 health and safety, we strongly discourage any attempt to organize large gatherings while the Health Director鈥檚 order remains in effect.