CUNY Statement on the Encampment at The City College of New York

"CUNY is committed to maintaining a safe environment for students, faculty and the entire City College campus community, which also includes two public high schools and a daycare center.

"Over the past six days, a series of violent incidents have occurred at CCNY that put public safety at risk. This includes a fire Sunday night at the Marshak Science Building caused by use of a flare gun that brought FDNY to campus, clashes with public safety, an attempted break-in at Shepard Hall tonight, and a break-in at the Administration Building tonight that included the vandalizing of offices and smashing glass doors.

"Early Tuesday evening, a large crowd of demonstrators marched from Columbia University to the City College campus. CUNY public safety handled the initial response, arresting 25 individuals. As the crowd grew in size, CUNY and CCNY leadership made the difficult decision to request NYPD assistance. NYPD entered at approximately 11:45 p.m. and arrested a number of individuals.

"Students have a right to demonstrate peacefully and exercise their First Amendment rights. Tonight's actions were taken in response to specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism, not in response to peaceful protest. CUNY will continue working to keep our community free from violence, intimidation and harassment."

###