CAIR-NY Condemns Columbia U Proposal for Campus Police to Use Force, Arrest Students on Campus
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/12/2024) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Columbia University for proposing that campus police should be empowered to use force and arrest students on campus.
In its early stages of discussion with faculty and administration, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik reportedly proposed introducing “peace officers,” who would have the authority to use force and arrest students engaged in protests. Reportedly, the 290 campus security officers cannot arrest or physically engage with students unless in self-defense.
SEE: Columbia University Considers Own Peace Officers with Arrest Power On Campus
SEE: Columbia University Considers Own Police to Handle Gaza Protests
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. stated:
"Columbia University has yet again shown its lack of moral clarity. The debate should center on how to protect all its students equally, including those who engage in political speech, not how to best invite the violence we have seen every time law enforcement gets involved.
“But of course, the University's goal is not student security. Rather it is to silence dissent on the Palestinian genocide, even if it means hurting its own students' academic future, emotional well-being, and physical safety."
CAIR-NY has continuously condemned Columbia University’s actions regarding student safety.
SEE: CAIR-NY condemns Columbia University NYPD Actions Against peaceful protesters
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Columbia University Decision to Suspend Students for Justice in Palestine
If you have experienced discrimination or violence during an arrest at a protest, please contact CAIR-NY by filling out an incident report on our website: https://www.cair-ny.org/report-incident.
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