Anti-Israel protesters demonstrate along NYPD police lines outside of Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)
"I do not wish to see anyone's First Amendment rights abridged, nor see anyone surprised that they violated the law," Yost wrote. "The First Amendment is a shield against the government, not a sword against fellow students. In the first place, students should protest within the bounds of the law, and not commit crimes."
"In the second place, they should own their advocacy and avoid wearing masks," Yost said.
Enacted in 1953, the law bars individuals wearing masks or disguises from congregating to commit misdemeanors. Most of the anti-Israel demonstrators on college campuses were disguised or covered their faces.
OHIO VOTERS APPROVE AMENDMENT ENSHRINING ABORTION ACCESS INTO STATE CONSTITUTION
An anti-Israel demonstration on a university campus. (Peter Gerber)
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More than a dozen states have anti-mask laws, many implemented around the era of Ku Klux Klan rallies. In Ohio, 19 students – some wearing masks or facial coverings – were recently arrested during anti-Israel demonstrations. Meanwhile, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said last week his office is investigating more than 40 cases of arrests during unrest at Ohio State University.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
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