May 8, 2024

UUP Statement on SUNY Campus Arrests - May 8, 2024

After a thorough review of what transpired last week when law enforcement cleared protests at the campuses of New Paltz, Purchase, the University of Buffalo and Stony Brook, it is clear that the leadership of the State University of New York, headed by Chancellor John King Jr., treated peaceful protestors with disproportionate force.

Regardless of whether or not UUP members agree with the specific stances taken by individuals at the campus protests, our defense of the freedom of expression is non-negotiable. It is notable that the protest encampments at many other prominent higher education institutions ended quietly and without any arrests, including at Miami of Ohio, Rutgers – New Brunswick, Tufts, and the University of California-Riverside.

SUNY is now gaining national attention for its disproportionate response to activists rather than the work UUP members do every day addressing inequality, educating our future leaders, and healing the sick throughout the state.

UUP Statement on SUNY Campus Arrests - May 3, 2024

UUP is deeply concerned about the arrests of UUP members and students at multiple campuses over the past week. While we gather information about these incidents and work to protect our members’ constitutional and contractual rights, we also stand in support of peaceful protest.