BUFFALO, N.Y. — UPDATE: On Sunday May 5th, UB Officials clarified that two people who were initially listed as unaffiliated with the university, are current students.
Of the arrests Wednesday, eight are unaffiliated with UB and seven are UB students.
ORIGINAL REPORTING: The University at Buffalo provided an update on the arrests that were made following protests that took place on the University at Buffalo north campus, the school said Wednesday night.
The school said a total of 15 people were arrested outside Hochstetter Hall after they were asked to leave. University officials say of the 15 arrested, 10 people are believed to have no affiliation with the school.
They "were arrested outside of Hochstetter Hall after being advised of, and failing to comply, with an order to disperse for a violation of UB’s Picketing and Assembling Policy that prohibits encampments and overnight assemblies," UB said in a statement announcing the arrests.
Those arrested are facing charges of loitering, trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. They were all ussed appearance tickets to appear in court at a later date.
"Unfortunately some individuals elected to ignore the requests of UB Police and were arrested. Regrettably, a few individuals attempted to resist arrest, and two officers were assaulted," the school said.
In addition to the two officers injured, UB Police said one person was taken to the hospital with an injury.
WNY Muslims issued a statement Thursday demanding an investigation into overuse of force by police which said, in part, "Despite facing obstacles, including arrests, and the overuse of force by the police, the spirit of resilience and peace prevailed among the protesters. Injured protesters were brought to the Emergency Department of Millard Fillmore last night."
The arrests follow a nationwide trend, from Columbia to Wisconsin to UCLA, where students have been arrested during pro-Palestinian events.
John Hurley, a former president at Canisius University, stopped by 2 On your Side and offered his perspective on campus protests that are happening nationwide.
"I sense there is a deep concern over the humanitarian crisis that's unfolding there in the Middle East," he said, adding that he still spends quite a bit of time on campus.
Hurley stressed that caution and dialogue is important when resolving protests, as opposed to abrupt action.
Here's the complete UB statement:
Wednesday evening, following a protest this afternoon on North Campus, approximately 16 individuals — including some students and other individuals not affiliated with the University at Buffalo — were arrested outside of Hochstetter Hall after being advised of, and failing to comply, with an order to disperse for a violation of UB’s Picketing and Assembling Policy that prohibits encampments and overnight assemblies.
While many protestors peacefully left the area after being advised multiple times by UB Police that those remaining at the protest would be arrested if they did not disperse at dusk, unfortunately some individuals elected to ignore the requests of UB Police and were arrested. Regrettably, a few individuals attempted to resist arrest, and two officers were assaulted.
UB Police were assisted Wednesday evening by the New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Amherst Police, among other assisting agencies. While the decision to arrest individuals occurred after multiple discussions, communications and warnings to protestors, UB Police prioritized the safety and security of the university community by upholding and enforcing all applicable laws, SUNY rules and UB polices.
Additional details about the arrests, including exact charges and whether or not those arrested are affiliated with UB, will be available Thursday. Because of federal privacy laws protecting student academic records, the university cannot confirm or comment on disciplinary actions involving specific UB students. Generally speaking, the university has an on-campus judiciary process to address alleged violations of the university’s Student Code of Conduct. Should a student’s action be ruled as violating the Student Code of Conduct, the student may be subject to a variety of sanctions.
The university recognizes and respects the right to protest afforded under the First Amendment. However, those members of the university community and visitors who wish to express their viewpoints through picketing and other forms of demonstration are permitted to peacefully do so but must not violate the provisions of the Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order of the SUNY Board of Trustees and must adhere to UB’s Picketing and Assembling Policy, including the prohibition of overnight assemblies, and indoor and outdoor encampments.