By: Marianne Knue

Marianne Knue
Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:15:07 +0000

The 50th anniversary of this unrest is upon us. In 1970, I was a Freshman, present at 11th and Neil that day and experienced all that was described. I still remember the smell and the stinging in my eyes of the tear gas as I ran away from the police so very frightened of what was happening. It was a warm day and the windows of the nearby dorms were all open. All of a sudden, the students inside couldn't breathe and as they emerged from their dorms with no idea of the events unfolding, they were being chased by the Columbus Police. It changed everything from that time on. Looking back, sending us all home for 2 weeks did deescalate a very tense time. My father was not pleased with his daughter's views and militancy when I arrived home. However, it did allow me to step back and reflect what was happening and how to go forward. Those days changed my views of life forever. I think now about how many universities did not keep the schools open such as Kent State and University of Cincinnati. Like today with COVGID, those seniors didn't get to say goodby and walk through graduation. So quickly, life as you imagined, can change.