A total of 56 people were taken into custody after the New York Police Department cleared student-led pro-Palestinian encampments at the New School and New York University (NYU), authorities said Friday.
A total of 43 people were arrested at the New School, a police spokesperson said. An additional 13 arrests were made at NYU.
A breakdown of those affiliated with the universities was not immediately available from police.
NYU said police showed up to the encampment at the Greene St. Walkway at 6 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) at the school's request, at which point about 30 protesters chose to leave the site while "about a dozen" others were taken into custody.
"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," it said in a statement.
"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," it added.
After protesters were cleared from the campus, the NYU Palestine Solidarity Coalition student group said on X, "You can swipe 1 camp and 10 more will grow LONG LIVE THE STUDENT INIFADA FREE PALESTINE."
At the New School, Interim President Dr. Donna Shalala said she "deeply" regretted asking the NYPD to clear the demonstrators at three encampments they established. She said police issued a warning and allowed any student to leave freely if they chose to do so, but "many of the protesters chose to stay."
"It is a sad day for all of us who are part of this university community and who believe in free speech, which we have pledged to protect and will continue to protect," Shalala said.
"As offensive as the protesters' language and posters are to many of us, my decision is about their conduct, not speech. It is also about safety as well as the protesters' irresponsible conduct," she added.
Friday's classes will be held virtually.
