Published May 2, 2024
Dear University Community,
Much like we have seen across New York State and the country, on Wednesday afternoon, protesters attempted to set up an encampment on our university campus. While members of our university community have the right to peaceful assembly, it is a violation of university policy to erect encampments on our campus or assemble overnight.
On multiple occasions, university staff and, subsequently, University Police, communicated our University at Buffalo Picketing and Assembling Policy and SUNY’s Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order to the protesters—some who were affiliated with UB and many others who were not.
Thankfully, most of the protesters initially complied with the requests. University Police acknowledged and thanked the protesters for their compliance. However, an additional wave of protesters—some affiliated with UB and many who were not—came onto campus during the late afternoon and evening. Once again, University Police communicated our policies to the protesters. I am sorry to report that—after repeated communications, discussions and distributions of handouts articulating our policies—the second wave of protesters refused to comply with our university and SUNY policies.
In order to ensure the safety and security of our entire university community, University Police, after multiple conversations with the protesters, told the protesters that overnight assemblies are not allowed, and they would therefore need to take down their encampment but could stay and demonstrate until dusk, in accordance with university policy. The protesters asked if they could stay until after dusk to pray. University Police provided the students with the space and time for prayer, extending the timeline for compliance.
Subsequently, many protesters complied with the timeline; some did not. A small group of protesters were charged with loitering, disorderly conduct and trespassing. Of that group, 10 are unaffiliated with UB and five are UB students.
Throughout the academic year, numerous peaceful protests have taken place on campus—all of which complied with UB’s picketing and assembling policies. We have engaged in productive dialogues about the complex and deeply rooted conflict in the Middle East. To see protesters refusing to abide by UB and SUNY policies yesterday was disheartening.
We are an educational institution that believes in challenging convention. We cherish civil discourse. We embrace multiple perspectives and multiple worldviews. However, we know that, in order to serve as an educational institution that lives these values, we must express ourselves in a respectful, peaceful manner that does not disrupt our campus or potentially endanger our community. We also know that, in order to be a university that embraces knowledge and its dissemination, we must maintain a safe campus community.
We all recognize that we are living in incredibly challenging times. Our hearts go out to all the people affected by the conflict in the Middle East. As we look toward a path to enduring peace, it is imperative that we engage in peaceful, respectful and thoughtful dialogues about this contentious issue and the many ways it impacts our students, faculty, staff and world.
Sincerely,
Satish K. Tripathi
President