CAIR-NY Condemns U. of Buffalo, The New School, NYU, Stony Brook for Arrests of Peaceful Protesters
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/3/2024) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today denounced the University of Buffalo, The New School, New York University and Stony Brook University administrations for the arrests of students peacefully protesting for the end of the Palestinian genocide.
CAIR-NY also called on the relevant district attorneys, Alvin Bragg of Manhattan, Raymond Tirney of Suffolk County and acting District Attorney Michael Keane of Erie County, to drop all charges against the arrested students.
At universities across New York State, students have encamped as part of a national movement to pressure schools to divest from companies that profit from the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. Schools have responded by inviting police to conduct mass arrests. Students, faculty, and community members were taken into custody. The latest arrests include at the at New York University (5/3), The New School (5/3), the University of Buffalo (5/2) and Stony Brook University (5/2).
SEE: 15 arrests made after pro-Palestine protest at University at Buffalo's North Campus
SEE: Dozens arrested as NYPD clears out protests at NYU, New School
CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher stated:
“We stand in solidarity with the student protesters at these universities who are advocating for justice and an end to genocide. It is deeply troubling to see this continuing trend of university administrations resorting to extreme punitive measures against their own students instead of engaging in dialogue and addressing their concerns.
“Students have been peacefully assembling, while universities are inviting violence onto campus by bringing in law enforcement. Police are being used to intimidate, harass, and ultimately escalate tensions on campus.
“CAIR-NY urges District Attorney Bragg, District Attorney Tirney and Acting District Attorney Keane to drop all charges against the arrested students and reaffirms its commitment to supporting their right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”
CAIR-NY has vocalized support for student protesters on numerous occasions.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com