CAIR-NY Condemns FIT Administration for Dismantlement of Peaceful Protests

(NEW YORK, NY, 5/8/2024) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, denounced the Fashion Institute of Technology administration for the arrests of students peacefully protesting for the end of the Palestinian genocide. CAIR-NY reiterates its call to Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, to drop all charges against the arrested students. 

At universities across New York State, students have encamped as part of a national movement to pressure schools to divest from companies that profit from the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. Schools have responded by inviting police to conduct mass arrests, with dozens arrested at FIT. This marks the last encampment dissolved in New York City, after Fordham University’s Manhattan campus was dissolved on 5/1.  

SEE: Police Broke up the Last Remaining Pro-Palestinian Encpament on A New York City Campus at FIT

CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher stated:  

“We continue to stand with our students across New York State as they demand justice and accountability. It’s reprehensible that universities have chosen violent escalation and punitive measures instead of fostering dialogue.” 

CAIR-NY has vocalized support for student protesters on numerous occasions. 

SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns U of Buffalo, The New School, NYU, Stony Brook for Arrests of Peaceful Protestors

SEE: CAIR-NY Coalition Letter to Express Solidarity With University Students Advocating for Ceasefire

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT:

Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006;   

Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com