“At about 6:00 a.m. today, the NYPD came to the Greene St. Walkway to assist in addressing the encampment. Most of those there—about 30—chose to leave, and were permitted to do so; about a dozen who were unwilling to leave were arrested. The process took about 20 minutes and involved minimal disruption and minimal confrontation. Conscious, as we were, of what has happened across the country when the police have been called in to address an encampment, the early morning was chosen to minimize the likelihood of injury or spread of disruption.
“NYU requested the assistance of the NYPD because of the unwillingness of protesters—who were violating the University’s rules and the rules governing the Walkway (an agreement we have with the City, which the protesters were violating)—to leave despite multiple requests and discussions; growing safety concerns, particularly with regard to protesters and counter-protesters being drawn to the site; numerous noise disruptions—including late at night—that far exceeded university rules. The encampment had become increasingly untenable for the NYU community and the neighborhood we inhabit.
“This was not about the content of the protesters’ speech, but rather, about the nature of this protest, including the threat it posed to our community.
“Classes will proceed as scheduled today.”
