The resignation of Luke Perez, an assistant professor at Ohio State University, marks the conclusion of a university tenure that became the subject of intense scrutiny following a physical altercation earlier this year. Perez, who was a faculty member at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, officially stepped down on Friday.
The departure was confirmed on Saturday by university spokesperson Ben Johnson, who stated that Perez is no longer employed by the institution. The move follows months of administrative leave that began shortly after a confrontation on February 9.
During that incident, Perez was captured on video grappling with and tackling Mike Newman, an independent documentarian. The scuffle took place as Newman was attempting to approach E. Gordon Gee, the former president of Ohio State University. Gee had been visiting a course at the Chase Center around the time of the encounter.
D.J. Byrnes, who was present at the scene, recorded the footage of the incident. Following the physical clash, Ohio State officials placed Perez on administrative leave on February 11 to allow for an investigation into his conduct.
The legal system also addressed the matter throughout the spring and summer. Perez was initially charged with assault in February. The case reached a resolution in July when Perez entered a plea of no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct.
The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, where Perez was employed, is an academic entity at Ohio State dedicated to the study of American civics, culture, and historical issues. The university has not provided further details regarding any internal disciplinary findings or the specific terms surrounding the professor’s resignation.
