The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to a request from New York University (NYU) to clear an encampment on their property early Friday morning. The request for assistance was made by NYU to disperse what was described as an illegal encampment on their premises. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, confirmed the collaboration, stating that officers were on-site to assist with professionalism.
This action follows a similar operation at Columbia University's encampment at Hamilton Hall. The move comes amidst a backdrop of heightened campus protests nationwide, with students advocating for colleges to divest from companies supporting Israel and the conflict in Gaza.
Chief Daughtry shared a redacted letter from NYU dated May 2, 2024, highlighting concerns about the encampment at Green Street Walkway. The letter mentioned that the encampment had been in place for six days, attracting individuals not affiliated with NYU and leading to acts of vandalism. The presence of these individuals was deemed to pose a risk of violence, with incidents of violence reported at other campuses in New York City and across the country.
The letter from NYU emphasized the need to address the escalating risks posed by the encampment and the associated behaviors. The decision to clear the encampment was made in the interest of maintaining safety and security within the NYU community.
