Protesters voice outrage over handling of student encampment at SUNY New Paltz
State police say a total of 133 protestors were arrested and charged with trespassing during Thursday night's encampment.
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About 200 people gathered at the public library in downtown New Paltz Saturday to express their outrage following this week's mass arrests on the SUNY New Paltz campus during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
State police say a total of 133 protestors were arrested and charged with trespassing during Thursday night's encampment.
The college's administration says they gave students until 9 p.m. to end their protest. Organizers, however, say they made it clear that they would not be leaving until an agreement or path toward divestment was made.
State police responded by arresting protesters just after 11 p.m.
"We need to protect our right to critique our universities and our institutions, and need to make sure that this doesn't happen again" said student protester Rae Ferrara.
Others in the community believe the police acted appropriately to ensure campus safety.
"I think the police were in the right because the students were breaking the college law, they were breaking the rules of the campus, and when you break rules, there are consequences and they found out the consequences," said one resident.
Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji released a statement that says in part, "Even as we disagree about any particular issue, we must first recognize and accept the right of everyone to be safe, including peaceful protesters and police officers."
