Ohio colleges increase patrols following threats

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – “This discussion just has to stop.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Sunday hit back at the false conspiracy theories targeting Haitian immigrants in Springfield.

“This is a piece of garbage that is simply not true. There’s no evidence of this at all,” DeWine said on ABC’s ‘This Week.’ “Discussion about Haitians eating dogs is just not helpful. And, again, these people are here legally. They’re here legally, and they want to work, and they are, in fact, working.”

“We need to focus on moving forward and not dogs and cats being eaten. It’s just ridiculous,” DeWine said.

The FBI said on Sunday it was assessing the credibility of threats against Haitians at Wittenberg University.

Wittenberg moved all classes to remote learning Monday, due to the threats.

The University says all activities are canceled and all academic facilities are locked.

The threats come after false reports by Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance about how immigrants in Springfield were eating cats and dogs.

Local law enforcement and the governor have said the claims are untrue.

Clark State College moved all classes to remote learning this week.

“Due to recent events in Springfield, Clark State will operate virtually on all campuses from Sept. 16-20. All activities will be rescheduled,” the website says.

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