Pro-Palestinian protests make their way to SUNY New Paltz campus

Pro-Palestinian protests have started at SUNY New Paltz.

People set up tents and signs on the campus' lawn calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

According to police, they began gathering around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The university spokesperson released the following statement:

"Today, a small unsanctioned group, including some SUNY New Paltz students, set up tents and other temporary structures on campus grounds, in violation of policies that are clearly outlined in our Student Handbook. President Darrell P. Wheeler spoke to the demonstrators on site, listened to their concerns, and advised them that their actions – specifically the presence of the tents – constituted conduct violations. He expressed an intention to maintain an open dialogue and to promote a path of de-escalation. The University will not tolerate any hatred, bigotry, racism, intolerance, antisemitism, Islamophobia or violence on our campus and will take necessary actions to ensure a safe and successful conclusion to our academic year."

In a letter sent out to the academic community, SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler, called on faculty, staff, student leaders and those participating in the protests to work with the administration to promote a path to constructive dialogue and de-escalation.