In the wake of Monday’s violent anti-Israel protests on New York University’s campus, the NYU Palestine Solidarity Coalition has issued a bold call to action: a campus walkout.
Campus Unrest Explodes
The protests erupted on Monday night, propelled by students demanding justice for Gaza. As demonstrators clashed with police near the business school plaza, tensions flared, culminating in arrests using zip ties and flex cuffs.
133 Arrests Made:
Sources have confirmed that 133 protesters were taken into custody by police and transported to police headquarters, where they faced charges of trespassing.
Students Unite for Gaza Solidarity
The NYU Palestine Solidarity Coalition is rallying students to gather in Washington Square Park on Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a walkout and debriefing session. The aim is to strategize and show solidarity with students at Columbia University, who have faced similar protests.
- “End War Profiteering”: The coalition demands an end to investments that support the Gaza conflict.
- “Academic Boycott of Israel”: They call for a complete boycott of Israeli academic institutions.
- “NYPD Removal”: Students demand the removal of the NYPD presence on campus.
- “Free Speech Protection”: The coalition insists that NYU uphold free speech rights and grant amnesty to students penalized for pro-Palestinian activism.
The coalition alleges that while the arrests were violent, “the violence we faced is only a fraction of the violence that Palestinians face on the ground every day.”
NYU Response
NYU has yet to officially comment on the walkout announcement, but the university has previously emphasized its support for student protest while prioritizing safety.
Mass Arrests and Clash Tactics
The escalation of protests to the plaza in front of the business school prompted mass arrests around 8:30 p.m. Monday. Protesters reportedly formed a human chain in an attempt to obstruct police from breaking up the demonstration.
As of now, NYPD arrests stand at 133, highlighting the scale and intensity of the anti-Israel protests at NYU.
