COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio State University has changed its mind and will allow its mascot to march in an upcoming parade celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
The university spirit team coaches had earlier cited safety concerns after the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida that left 49 dead as the reason for pulling Brutus Buckeye from this weekend's Pride festival in Columbus.
But in a statement Thursday afternoon, OSU said that after ''additional consultation and reviews,'' Brutus would indeed participate in the parade, along with President Michael Drake and other university officials.
The statement didn't say why school officials changed their mind about Brutus' participation, and spokesman Ben Johnson declined to comment further.
Columbus police have said security will be increased for this weekend's events.
