Mayor Eric Adams is calling on Columbia University and other private colleges to help cover the costs of deploying the NYPD to control pro-terror protests on their campuses. This request comes after a mob illegally took over Columbia’s Hamilton Hall building and an encampment on the school’s lawn had to be cleared out. Adams believes that these institutions should contribute to the cost of law enforcement operations to prevent them from escalating in the future. At the City College of New York, similar violent incidents occurred as police clashed with unruly protesters.
The NYPD’s response to the protests led to more than 280 demonstrators being arrested at both Columbia and the City College of New York. The subsequent cost, including overtime for officers, is part of an ongoing discussion with private institutions, especially Columbia. Adams commended Fordham University for their swift handling of protests on their campus, preventing the situation from escalating as it did at other schools. He stressed the importance of taking immediate action to prevent unrest from spreading and becoming a prolonged issue.
A group of bipartisan politicians expressed frustration that Columbia should be responsible for covering the costs associated with the unrest on its campus, rather than New York City taxpayers. They criticized the university for creating the situation and called on them to pay to clean it up. The lawmakers suggested that Columbia should contact the NYPD’s paid details unit if they want city-paid officers to provide security on campus, as they believe the university can afford it due to their high tuition costs and sizable endowments.
Adams emphasized the importance of preventing future incidents like the one seen at Columbia University and City College of New York. He believes that having a zero-tolerance policy for illegal protests and immediate action to dismantle encampments is key to avoiding escalating situations. By holding private institutions accountable for the costs associated with law enforcement responses to protests, Adams hopes to deter further disruptions and ensure public safety on college campuses in New York City.
The protesters at Columbia University and City College of New York were demonstrating against Israel, leading to clashes with police and arrests. The NYPD’s extensive operation to remove the protesters and restore order resulted in significant costs, including overtime for officers. Mayor Adams believes that these elite colleges should help cover these expenses as part of their responsibility to maintain the safety and security of their campuses.
Overall, Mayor Adams is advocating for a collaborative effort between the NYPD and private colleges to address protests and unrest on campuses in New York City. By holding these institutions accountable for the costs associated with law enforcement responses, Adams aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and residents in the surrounding communities. The bipartisan group of politicians supporting Adams’ stance emphasizes that private colleges like Columbia University should take responsibility for managing and funding security measures to prevent future disturbances.
