A member of the Ohio Youth for Climate Justice chalks “divest now” at the Thompson Statue during Friday’s protest against Anduril. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor
Colors covered the Thompson statue and bricks around it after protestors chalked phrases like “Democracy now,” “F*** Anduril” and “Divest now” to protest against the university’s partnership with Anduril on Friday.
The protest was organized by the Ohio Youth for Climate Justice, a student-organized, statewide movement that takes action to address the current climate crisis, according to the group’s website. The group – approximately 20 people – met in front of the Thompson statue around 3 p.m.
“We are chalking against Anduril because Anduril is an AI manufacturer who we think is a very evil and immoral presence on our campus,” Jacob G., a fourth-year in environmental policy, who refused to share his full last name with the Lantern, said. “I think it’s really f***ed up as a student to know that the moral integrity of the Board of Trustees is at such a low point, that they’re accepting that corporate influence over all the students that came out here today and all the people that make the university run.”
Anduril is a defense technology company that focuses on developing advanced technology for U.S. and allied militaries, according to the company’s announcement about its Ohio State collaboration.?
Anduril was announced as the official sponsor for Ohio State athletics in August 2025. The company’s sponsorship can be seen around the ‘Shoe with over 40 advertisements that read “Defend the Shoe,’” per prior Lantern reporting.
The event started off with protestors from the organization, as they gave speeches regarding the Anduril partnership.
Following the speeches, the group linked arms in a half-circle in front of the Thompson statue, as three people from the organization chalked on and around the statue behind them.
Those in the half circle chanted a variety of chants, such as “When the water we drink is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” and “O-H-I-O, Anduril has got to go.”
An Ohio State staff member, who refused to give her name to the Lantern, approached the group as they were chalking, giving the group a warning that if they continue chalking, they will have to be taken to Student Conduct. The group continued chanting and chalking. It is not confirmed if any protestor received any punishment for chalking at the event.
“We saw that Student Life came and is going to try to push back against [the student’s] rights by putting them through the student conduct process, and we’re happy to help students if they want,” Pranav Janil, an associate professor of English and board member of the Ohio State chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said.?
University spokesperson Chris Booker said in an email that the university revised its signage standards in light of ongoing complaints regarding chalking. He added that there was a significant amount of administrative time spent evaluating chalking.
“Ohio State is committed to protecting free speech and expression on our campuses, and we support the right of students, faculty and staff to speak out about issues that are important to them,” Booker said.
Ohio State banned chalking in August 2025. Students used chalking as a way to advertise for their organizations, clubs and spread political messages, per prior Lantern reporting.
Anduril states that they are committed to bringing AI technology, such as computer vision, sensor fusion and networking technology, to the military in months. The company also uses an AI software platform that turns thousands of data streams into a 3D command and control center.
