Law enforcement, officials react to SUNY New Paltz arrests
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Ulster County Sheriff's Office and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger have both released statements regarding the mass arrests after protests on SUNY New Paltz's campus. Last week, over 100 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested at an encampment on campus.
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa released the following statement.
“On May 1, 2024, at SUNY New Paltz campus, a group of demonstrators violated campus rules
and protocols by establishing an unauthorized encampment. The demonstrators consisted of
students and non-students not affiliated with the college, as well as non-residents of Ulster
County. Demonstrators were repeatedly asked over a 24-hour period to peacefully dismantle
their tents and vacate the area. The SUNY New Paltz administration and police reminded them
of the proper procedures necessary to exercise their First Amendment rights at SUNY New Paltz
and suggested alternative locations, all of which were refused unless their demands were met.
Despite continuous requests from SUNY New Paltz, the demonstrators refused to adhere to
proper procedures and protocols for using campus property. Numerous complaints were
received from non-participating students and their parents, expressing the demonstrators were
disrupting their education. Despite warnings, the demonstrators expanded their encampment
near Gage Hall, well beyond the permitted designated free speech zone and caused it to be an
unlawful assembly.
On May 2, 2024, at the request of the SUNY administration, a joint command center was
established involving SUNY New Paltz University Police, New York State Police, Ulster County
Sheriff’s Office, and New Paltz Police Department to address the situation. Multiple
announcements were made via loudspeaker, warning demonstrators of the unlawfulness of
their presence, and requested peaceful dispersal. Despite ample warnings, the demonstrators
chose not to comply.
Law enforcement entered the area and arrested 132 individuals without resorting to pepper
spray and tasers. During the arrests, batons were displayed but not used to strike individuals.
However, conversely, demonstrators retaliated by throwing glass bottles at officers, injuring
one Trooper who required hospitalization. Additionally, during an arrest one civilian was injured
and transported to a local hospital.
I am a firm believer in our First Amendment rights; freedom of speech is a pillar of freedom.
Rules and laws must be abided by to avoid this being a detriment to others.”
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger released the following statement.
“Last Thursday night, we saw 132 people arrested in Parker Quad at SUNY New Paltz in a show
of force by State police. The students were engaging in peaceful protest and standing up for
what they fervently believe, and the response of law enforcement was disproportionate to the
scene in front of them. I have already communicated my concerns about the police response
to officials in Albany. I know President Wheeler to be a thoughtful leader, and know he faced
difficult decisions that day — decisions that will have lasting consequences for the campus
community. Students, faculty members, and community members have understandably
expressed shock and dismay about what transpired that evening. Moving forward from here,
much work must be done to rebuild trust, with open dialogue and communication about why
events unfolded and escalated the way they did.”
Students at SUNY New Paltz responded to the arrests with a walkout in front of the administration building on Friday. Hundreds of students denounced SUNY’s financial ties to Israel. They demanded the administration divest. They walked out of the Humanities building, at noon, and chanted throughout campus.