New York City Mayor Eric Adams has defended the New York Police Department’s handling of campus protests in the city despite criticism from some Democrats who argue that the response was disproportionate and improper on school grounds. In an interview with ABC News “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday Adams maintained that he has an obligation to ensure the city’s safety.
“One has the right to have his or her opinion and I respect that. … And I have an obligation and responsibility to ensure the city is safe” Adams said.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY OFFICIALLY CANCELS GRADUATION
Columbia has canceled its university-wide commencement ceremony after weeks of Pro-Palestine protests and Gaza encampments.
Mayor Adams:
"These institutions should decide to graduate their students and celebrate… https://t.co/N3N0WT33iT pic.twitter.com/nHMEhFBUaj
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 6, 2024
The mayor’s comments come in response to criticism from New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman who wrote last week that “the militarization of college campuses extensive police presence and arrest of hundreds of students are in direct opposition to the role of education as a cornerstone of our democracy.”
Adams suggested that the protests which many student organizers say aim to criticize Israel’s government and denounce the treatment of Palestinians had become problematic. He expressed concern about attempts to radicalize young people and stated that the city cannot take this issue lightly.
“This has left a point of advocating for a particular item and as I say over and over again there’s a real attempt to radicalize our young people” Adams said.
Despite the arrests and violent disruptions on campuses Adams encouraged universities to stick to planned graduation ceremonies assuring that the NYPD would do its job to ensure peaceful proceedings.
“I don’t think we should allow anything to get in our normal way of life,” he said.
