NYCLU Statement on Syracuse University Student Protests

In response to ongoing student protests at Syracuse University and the administration’s evolving response to these actions, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement from Central New York Chapter Director Yusuf Abdul-Qadir:

“Universities maintain the right to monitor and respond to protest, but Syracuse University’s reaction this week to demonstrations about ongoing incidents of bias was concerning. We’re glad to see administrators walk back that response. The University’s steps to engage with students and work toward resolutions for their concerns about safety, bias, and discrimination on campus are important. This dialogue should continue.

Targeting student protestors with harsh punishment signals a chilling attitude toward free speech. Given the recent, concentrated history of racist incidents on campus, we hope the university takes a broader view of what dictates a disturbance to student life and continues adapting its practices to accommodate protest.”