Approximately 16 people were arrested Wednesday night after a pro-Palestine protest at the University at Buffalo's North Campus, including students and “other individuals not affiliated with the University at Buffalo,” the school said in a statement.
Those people were arrested after being “noticed and failed to comply with a dispersal order for a violation of the UB Picketing and Gathering Policy prohibiting overnight encampments and gatherings,” the statement reads.
“While many protesters peacefully left the area after being warned several times by UB Police that those remaining in the protest would be arrested if they did not disperse by nightfall, unfortunately some individuals chose to ignore requests from UB Police. UB and were arrested.”
“Some individuals” attempted to resist arrest and two officers were attacked, the statement said.
In a previous releaseThe university said its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter originally organized a march on North Campus on Wednesday.
Around 50 personsincluding students and others not affiliated with the university, continued protesting into Wednesday night, the university said.
Many left the area after warnings from university police to disperse after dark, but others were arrested outside Hochstetter Hall, the university said.
“While the decision to arrest individuals came after multiple discussions, communications and warnings to protesters, UB Police prioritized the safety of the university community by upholding and enforcing all applicable laws, rules of SUNY and UB policies.
The university said it recognizes and respects the right to protest, but emphasized that overnight gatherings and indoor and outdoor camping are prohibited.
“The university recognizes and respects the right to protest granted by the First Amendment,” the statement announcing the arrests said. “However, those members of the university community and visitors who wish to express their views through picketing and other forms of demonstration may do so peacefully but must not violate the provisions of the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order of the Board of SUNY – Trustees must adhere to SU’s Picketing and Gathering Policy, including the prohibition of overnight gatherings and indoor and outdoor camping.”
Five tents were previously set up on campus, but protesters removed them after being notified by university staff and police.
