Recent protests at the University at Buffalo have sparked controversy as faculty members express their concerns over the administration's handling of the situation. Following the arrest of 15 protesters during a demonstration on May 1st, faculty at the university are urging administrators to drop all charges against the individuals involved.
Over 200 faculty members have signed a letter addressed to University President Satish K. Tripathi, expressing their deep disturbance over the decision to escalate what they describe as a peaceful protest. The faculty members are calling for a public review of university protocols related to policing in addition to the request for dropping charges.
The protest, which centered around the war in Gaza and support for divestment, took place outside Hochstetter Hall on UB's North campus. According to reports, the gathering was well-organized and entirely peaceful. When protesters were informed that setting up tents could lead to their arrest, they promptly complied with the policy.
One of the contentious issues raised by the faculty is the enforcement of a sundown deadline for dispersal, which coincided with the Muslim evening prayer, Maghrib. Protesters highlighted that this deadline was ad hoc and discriminatory, as it was not clearly outlined in the university's policy on overnight picketing and assembly.
The letter from faculty members also criticized the real-time updates to rules on student protests during the demonstration, which they argue created confusion and hindered compliance even for informed students. The faculty's call for dropping charges and reviewing policing protocols reflects their commitment to upholding the rights of students to engage in peaceful protests on campus.
