After withdrawing from the Columbus PRIDE parade earlier this week, Brutus Buckeye is back in the event. But Brutus won't be the only Division I mascot at this Saturday's parade.
Ohio State University faced criticism for removing mascot Brutus Buckeye from Saturday's PRIDE festivities. But now officials say Brutus will march in the 35th PRIDE parade this Saturday.
In a statement, Ohio State said the spirit program decided to reinstate Brutus after “additional consultation.” The university had cited safety concerns for why it withdrew Brutus. The move followed the Orlando shooting at an LGBT-friendly nightclub.
Ohio University said Thursday that its mascot, Rufus, will attend the Columbus PRIDE event. OU’sLGBT Center director delfinbautista will don the Rufus costume.
"Ohio University is a place that celebrates people of all genders, orientations, and expressions of idenity," bautista said. "We are proud to support our siblings in Columbus as they celebrate PRIDE in Columbus and its impact on the community as it has transformed since it first began in 1981."
Rufus will join OU alumni to support the local LGBTQ community.
Brutus will march with OSU faculty and staff, including President Michael Drake and Athletics Director Gene Smith.
