Ohio State University Professor Placed on Leave After Physical Altercation with Filmmaker

Ohio State University has placed assistant professor Luke M. Perez on administrative leave following a physical confrontation with filmmaker Mike Newman. The incident occurred on February 12, 2026, as Newman attempted to ask E. Gordon Gee, a former president of the university, additional questions after an interview. The altercation began when Perez, who is affiliated with the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, intervened to prevent Newman from entering the room where Gee was located.

New York Times

The confrontation escalated when Perez stated, “He already said it was his last question, so we’re going to have to ask you guys to leave now.” Newman, holding recording devices, pressed for one more question, prompting Perez to physically block his path. Video footage shows Perez reaching for one of Newman’s devices before wrestling him to the ground. During the struggle, Perez claimed that Newman had laid hands on him, stating, “I told you not to put that in my face!”

New York Times

The Salmon P. Chase Center, where Perez is employed, was established by state legislators to promote intellectual diversity on campus. This context adds complexity to the incident, as it raises questions about the role of faculty in managing interactions between the media and university officials.

New York Times

Ohio State University has not publicly detailed the reasons for Perez's administrative leave, but the incident has sparked discussions about faculty conduct and the boundaries of academic freedom. The university's administration is likely to review the incident in light of its commitment to fostering an environment of open dialogue.

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Critics of Perez's actions argue that physical confrontations undermine the principles of free speech and academic discourse. Some faculty members and students have expressed concern that such behavior could deter journalists from engaging with university officials, potentially stifling transparency.

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While video evidence captures the altercation, there are discrepancies regarding the sequence of events leading up to the physical confrontation. Some sources suggest that Newman was aggressive in his approach, while others emphasize Perez's role in escalating the situation. The university has not released a comprehensive account of the incident, leaving gaps in the narrative.

New York Times

• “I told you not to put that in my face!” — Luke M. Perez, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University.

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• “He already said it was his last question, so we’re going to have to ask you guys to leave now,” — Luke M. Perez, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University.

New York Times

This incident at Ohio State University highlights the tensions between academic freedom, media access, and the responsibilities of faculty members in managing interactions with the press. The ongoing discussions surrounding this event may influence future policies regarding faculty conduct and media relations on campus.

New York Times