Fliers posted by FreeOhio suggests that students use Second Amendment rights to defend themselves against a serial rapist that has been lurking around the off-campus area since the end of July.

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The NEW flier can be found here (connects to FreeOhio): new flier. FreeOhio's website can be found here

Is violent crime rampant at OSU? you bet!

Fliers promote gun protection. FreeOhio suggests students use 2nd Amendment rights to defeat rapist.

By Christa Gable

With the threat of the campus-area rapist still remaining, campus bulletins are full of fliers containing safety tips for students.

One flier, posted by an organization called FreeOhio, Defiant Defenders of Individual Liberty, suggests residents take advantage of their Second Amendment rights and get a gun.

With the distribution of this flier, FreeOhio said relying on police protection is not always the best way to avoid becoming a victim of rape.

"Firearms are the great equalizer," said Matthew Gaylor, member of FreeOhio. "Carrying one puts women on equal footing with a man or any other attacker."

University Police Chief Ron Michalec said the department is not only unhappy with the content of the fliers, but also with its format.

"We are not happy that they are using the same format as our crime alerts," said Michalec. "It sends mixed messages; they are using the university to promote their own agenda."

He also said the university has a strict rule prohibiting the possession of firearms on campus, and that residents should rely on the police for protection.

"I am not in favor of people walking around with a concealed weapon," Michalec said. "The police are here to protect. That is what people should rely on."

Gaylor said whistles and other devices have proven to be ineffective in instances of rape and that a gun could be more intimidating to a predator.

"I understand the opposition. On the other hand, there is a rapist, and the police haven't been able to catch the guy," Gaylor said.

Many campus-area residents have become more cautious by taking self-defense classes and carrying pepper spray or whistles. Others may have invested in stun guns, but the idea of carrying a firearm has created some mixed views among students.

"The idea of having a gun seems absurd," said Lisa Szuter, a junior in education. "What if the rapist gets a hold of your gun? He could end up shooting you. I think carrying pepper spray is a better solution than carrying a device as potentially deadly as a gun."

Residents interested in purchasing a firearm must be 18 years old to buy a shotgun and 21 to purchase a pistol, said Dennis Walker, a firearms instructor and secretary for the People's Rights Organization of Columbus, which offers firearm training and classes on safety awareness. Although Walker recommends the use of firearms, he explains that this type of weapon is not for everybody.

"This is a good form of protection for those who aren't afraid to use it," said Walker. "You must be willing to use the firearm. If you aren't, get pepper spray."

FreeOhio has distributed nearly 1000 fliers throughout the campus area. University Police have been instructed to take them down if noticed, and to continue urging other means of protection. The organization plans to continue distributing the fliers door to door for the next few weeks, or until the campus rapist is caught.