The historic confrontations at the Ohio State University and Kent State University were among a wave of student uprisings occurring throughout the state and country during the late 1960s. The extensive violence arising from these "peace" demonstrations resulted in tremendous property damage, scores of injuries, and four deaths.

Though the Vietnam War had a profound effect on the demonstrations, it was not the spark that set the fire at The Ohio State University. Prior to the violence of April 29, 1970, the so-called "Ad-Hoc Committee for Student Rights" presented university officials with a list of demands, among them: dismissal of certain administrators; termination of the R.O.T.C. program; amnesty for students involved in earlier demonstrations; a loosening of speech restrictions; and an end to university ties to the military. Officials rejected all 11 demands, stating they "reflected only the concerns of self-appointed groups . . . " A student strike was called for Wednesday, April 29, 1970.

On that date, a strike rally was held, after which groups of strikers broke away and began moving toward campus entrances with the intent of closing them. At 3:00 PM, university officials requested that the Highway Patrol open the gate at 11th and Neil Avenues which students closed to block traffic. Ten unarmed plainclothes officers attempted to open the gates and were immediately attacked by rioters. A uniformed contingent arrived shortly after and were showered by rocks and bricks. Having no riot equipment (none was available), they fought hand-to-hand to reach and assist the plainclothes officers. Shortly after, riot-equipped Columbus Police officers responded and eventually the crowd was dispersed. Later in the afternoon, a large crowd congregated at the Oval, near the center of campus. Predictably, the strike leaders had since dropped out of the picture, saying the violence was uncontrollable and out of their hands.

Skirmishes continued throughout the evening, with crowds being dispersed or moved by police and tear gas, then regrouping. Agitators from such organizations as the Young Socialist Alliance, the Students for a Democratic Society, and other militant groups began working the crowds, calling for violence against the police and spreading rumors which, in some circles, are still accepted as fact today.

After a week of tension and on-and-off violence, officials announced the university would be closed until further notice. Ironically, a mob gathered outside the Ad ministration building danced and hugged, screaming "we won!"

The university reopened May 19, but was still very tense. The following day, 5,000 National Guardsmen were ordered in when rioting students and non-students smashed windows and looted stores, causing extensive property damage and loss among merchants in the area. Violence continued into the night. The following day, attitudes began to change. It was apparent that many "strikers" were tiring of daily demonstrations and rallies, and many more were shocked and dismayed by the criminal actions of students and non-students looting businesses.

While the O.S.U. riot simmered, trouble developed at Kent State University as students demonstrated against U.S. involvement in Cambodia. Dissident students, in an effort to escalate violence, set fire to the R.O.T.C. building, then attacked firefighters with rocks and bricks as they attempted to put out the fire. On May 2, the National Guard and 60 Highway Patrol officers were called in to protect vulnerable buildings. However, by this time things had quieted down and, by the next day, all but 20 of the Patrol officers were removed from the area.

On Monday, May 4, 1970, protesters defied orders against demonstrations. A major confrontation developed, culminating in the now infamous shooting of four students and injuring of nine others by National Guard troops. A "red alert" was broadcast recalling Highway Patrol officers and, within two hours, 197 units were on campus helping to restore order.

In the two riots, the Highway Patrol expended 114,503 overtime hours, with the investigative phase consuming between 4,000 -- 5,000 hours. Over 200 Patrol officers were injured, including two who required hospitalization.