Ohio State Assistant Professor Luke Perez pleaded not guilty to assault in court Monday morning. Next, the case will move forward into a trial. During his arraignment, Perez was released on the condition that he does not contact Michael Newman, the victim, who appeared in court. Earlier this month, Perez was seen on a viral video tackling Newman, an independent documentarian, who was attempting to interview E. Gordon Gee, a former university president. Gee was a guest lecturer in Perez’s “Profiles in American Leadership” course, per prior Lantern reporting. Read more at thelantern.com thelantern.com/2026/02/temporary-protection-order-granted-against-ohio-state-professor-charged-with-assault 📸: Sandra Fu | Managing Photo Editor ✍️: Trevor Voigt | Campus Senior Writer