By Trend News Line 2024-03-30 02:22:25.
Arrest of Nine Students Sparks Outcry Among SBU Faculty
The recent arrests of nine students during a protest at Stony Brook University (SBU) have stirred up controversy and raised questions about the handling of student dissent on campus. The students, who were part of the student group SB4PALESTINE, were arrested by SBU campus police while participating in a BDS Day of Action, calling for the university to divest from funds supporting Israel.
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Faculty Demand Investigation Into Arrests
Following the arrests, SBU faculty issued a statement condemning the actions taken by campus police. They called for a full investigation into who ordered the arrests, the university’s policies regarding the arrest of peaceful protesters, and why two alumni were banned from campus after supporting current students. The faculty statement described the arrests as an infringement on free speech and peaceful protest.
Conflicting Accounts of Protest
While Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Rick Gatteau stated that the protesting students disrupted activities in the administration building, faculty members and students maintain that the protest was peaceful. Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest that the students were sitting in silence before being arrested.
Student Confrontations at Sit-In
During a sit-in held in response to the arrests, some of the detained students confronted Student Affairs staff, accusing them of failing to support them during the protest. SB4PALESTINE co-founder Zubair Kabir lamented the administration’s treatment of student activists and highlighted the importance of challenging the status quo.
Historical Context of Student Protest
Associate Professor Dr. Abena Asare highlighted the longstanding tradition of student activism at SBU, dating back to protests in 1968. She praised current students for their efforts to educate the administration and advocate for Palestinian rights.
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SUNY BDS Coalition Responds
The SUNY BDS coalition expressed concern over the arrests at SBU, noting that it was the only university to take such action during the statewide Day of Action. The coalition reiterated its commitment to supporting Palestinian liberation and called for the charges against the arrested students to be dropped.
New Organization Forms in Response
In response to the arrests, SB4PALESTINE announced the formation of a new organization, SBUALUMNI4PALESTINE, aimed at advocating for Palestinian rights. The two groups are planning a joint protest on April 3 to demand justice for the arrested students and push for greater awareness of the Palestinian cause.
Conclusion
The arrests at Stony Brook University have sparked a wave of activism and solidarity among students, faculty, and alumni. As the campus community rallies behind the detained students, the calls for accountability and justice grow louder. The events of March 26 have ignited a renewed sense of purpose and determination among those fighting for social justice and human rights..
– Students Arrested at SUNY Campus During Pro-Palestine Day of Action Protest
– Students Arrested at SUNY Campus During Pro-Palestine Day of Action.
