Following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, protests have erupted on numerous college campuses across the United States. One such instance occurred at New York University (NYU), where a student encampment in Gould Plaza was dispersed by police, resulting in multiple arrests of pro-Palestine protesters who refused to vacate the area despite the school’s requests.
According to a post on social media platform X on April 22, Kaz Daughtry, the deputy commissioner of the New York Police Department’s Security Operations Center, revealed that NYU leadership had contacted him regarding the ongoing protest. The situation escalated as more individuals joined the protest, ignoring repeated requests to disperse.
In videos shared on social media, a large group of protesters can be seen being dispersed by police. Mr. Daughtry stated, “They were described as interfering with the safety and security of our community.”
In a letter received from NYU and shared by Mr. Daughtry, an unknown party informed him that negotiations were attempted with the protesters, but the situation escalated as more people joined and disregarded instructions to leave the area.
The letter stated, “At this point, we consider all protesters occupying Gould Plaza to be trespassers, and we would like the NYPD to clear the area and take action to remove the protestors. In the event they refuse to leave, we request the NYPD take enforcement action accordingly, up to and including arrest.”
It is uncertain how many arrests have been made in connection with the protests or if any charges have been filed. Mr. Daughtry emphasized that the NYPD is prepared to address illegal actions on campuses and provide assistance as needed.
Meanwhile, protests have spread to various college campuses nationwide and internationally since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. Students are demanding that their schools condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza and cease business dealings with companies selling weapons to Israel. However, concerns have been raised by Jewish students who feel that the criticism of Israel has escalated into anti-Semitism, causing them to feel unsafe.
Campuses All Over the Country Become Hotbeds of Protesters
Protests have swept across many college campuses in the United States and around the world since Israel and Hamas went to war. On Oct. 7 Hamas attacked southern Israel and killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Israel has since struck back, declaring war on Hamas and making incursions into the Gaza Strip. According to the local health ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, around 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting began.
Nearly 50 students were issued summonses after they “did not comply” with multiple requests from Yale’s police department to show identification.
At the same time, Columbia University has canceled all in-person classes due to pro-Palestinian protests at the campus. In an April 22 statement, Columbia University president Minouche Shafik announced all classes would be held virtually as Passover begins, saying the decision was to “deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider the next steps.”
