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NYPD Disbands Anti-Israel Encampment at Fordham University Amid Rising Campus Tensions
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a swift and decisive action, the New York Police Department (NYPD) disbanded an anti-Israel encampment at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus on Wednesday, calling attention to the escalating campus tensions amid broader protests. According to a report on Wednesday in the New York Post, the operation was initiated at the behest of the university administration, which cited concerns over safety and property.
NOW: Protesters are rallying outside Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in support of the ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ which was set up earlier this morning
Students inside encampment are rallying with the crowd outside through the windows pic.twitter.com/aHvstN5MbZ
— katie smith (@probablyreadit) May 1, 2024
The “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” established inside the Leon Lowenstein Center, a prominent building at Fordham’s Manhattan campus, was a direct response to earlier police actions at Columbia University and the City University of New York. The information provided in the Post report indicated that these actions had resulted in the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators the previous night, sparking further protests. Initially comprising about 30 participants, the Fordham encampment’s numbers had dwindled to approximately 12 by the afternoon, though hundreds rallied outside the building, the report in the Post added.
The NYPD, equipped in riot gear, moved in before 6 p.m., arresting several demonstrators who steadfastly refused to vacate the premises. Noted in the Post report was that NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, confirmed these details, noting the rapid execution of the operation to ensure the dispersal of the encampment.
NYPD officers enter Fordham University after receiving a request from the university to disperse the unlawful encampment.
Multiple arrests have been made of students who refused a final dispersal order. pic.twitter.com/3ICRViluoW
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 2, 2024
In parallel, Fordham University had taken preemptive administrative actions against the protesters, suspending and banning those who refused to leave from campus earlier that day. These measures illustrated the university’s serious view of the situation, framing the encampment as “a clear and present danger to persons, property,” as was affirmed in the Post report. This language was echoed in a letter released by police, in which university officials explicitly requested NYPD intervention to help clear the encampment.
As Fordham grapples with the aftermath of an anti-Israel encampment and the reactions it provoked, the situation reflects broader societal and geopolitical tensions.
The controversy began when a group of protesters, some wearing masks and keffiyehs, established a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” within the university premises. According to the information in the Post report, the demonstration escalated quickly, featuring Palestinian flags, chants against the NYPD and Fordham’s perceived complicity in injustices against Palestinians, and symbolic expressions such as drumming and graffiti. Notably, slogans such as “Israel bombs, Fordham pays, how many kids did you kill today?” captured the intense sentiment of the pro-Hamas, pro-terror protesters, the report added.
NYPD officers enter Fordham University after receiving a request from the university to disperse the unlawful encampment.
Multiple arrests have been made of students who refused a final dispersal order. pic.twitter.com/3ICRViluoW
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 2, 2024
In response to the growing unrest and the physical occupation of part of its campus, Fordham University called upon the NYPD to clear the encampment and ensure safety. The police action involved setting up barriers and confronting protesters, some of whom accused the NYPD of being trained by Israeli forces, reflecting the global dimension of local protests, as was described in the Post report. The NYPD’s presence was requested to remain on campus through May 22, extending through the commencement ceremonies to prevent further disruptions.
What the hell has happened to America? More of the Jihad squad at Fordham University. Do they not realize Hamas would imprison or kill most of them if they went to Gaza? Sharia does not like liberals or communists, just FYI.
There is only one solution… #Trump2024! pic.twitter.com/lsuXMdhubK
— Ben Bergquam – Real America’s Voice (RAV-TV) News (@BenBergquam) May 2, 2024
The protests and the university’s response to them elicited mixed reactions from the community. Speaking to the Post, Brigitte Guillerme, a local resident with mixed Christian and Jewish heritage, expressed her disdain for the protests. She criticized the naiveté of the activists, suggesting ironically that their perspectives might change if they experienced life in the Gaza Strip firsthand, the report in the Post said. Her comments reflect a common critique of campus activism – that it may lack nuanced understanding of the complex realities of international conflicts.
After the encampment was cleared, the physical remnants of the protest included graffiti and stickers on university property calling for the liberation of Palestine and an end to the purported genocide, as was indicated in the Post report. These markings are symbolic of the political investments of the protesters and signify the lingering presence of these sentiments even after the physical protests have been disbanded.
