In a message sent this evening to CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez and Brooklyn College President Anderson, PSC President James Davis condemned the use of NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG) to intimidate and disperse a group of roughly 30 non-violent student protesters at the Brooklyn College campus today.
May 8, 2025
Dear Chancellor Matos Rodríguez and President Anderson,
The PSC condemns your use of NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG) to intimidate and disperse a group of roughly 30 non-violent student protesters on the Brooklyn College campus today.
The protesters were engaged in discussion with representatives of the administration and had complied with their request to remove tents that could have been used for an encampment. Their non-violent protest did not block access to campus buildings or otherwise interfere with the college’s educational processes or facilities, as prohibited by university regulations on the maintenance of public order. Nonetheless, dozens of officers in riot gear – three times the number of students – confronted the non-violent protesters as they marched on the quad. They moved the students from their campus onto the city sidewalk.
At that point the student demonstration became something other than a campus protest. That did not have to happen. CUNY campuses should be spaces in which students who are not infringing on the rights of other members of the campus community may exercise their constitutionally protected right to freedom of speech and assembly.
James Davis, President
Professional Staff Congress
Published: May 8, 2025 | Last Modified: May 9, 2025
