Students at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Kips Bay joined with others colleges across the nation Thursday in pro-Palestine protests demanding that their institution divests from Israel.
A small band of young people are performing what they are calling a sit-in at the SVA administrative offices inside of 340 East 24th St. The group is apparently refusing to move from inside the building until a list of demands are met, which includes publicly condemning the onslaught on Gaza and disclosing if financial assets are supporting the ongoing war in Gaza, launched after terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
SVA confirmed that school security called the NYPD regarding the situation. Two police officers apparently performed a wellness check for 35 minutes before leaving the building.
The presence of cops, just days after the NYPD put an end to protests at Columbia University and City College, sent students and fellow protesters into a frenzy, believing arrests could be imminent.
Swiftly gathering, demonstrators marched in a circle in front of the school and taped signs reading “Free Palestine” to the buildings. They drummed on barrels and used chalk to write “Divest” on the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, some passersby took issue with their message and got into heated arguments over the war.
While student protesters say negotiations are ongoing, one teacher stating that the school has threatened to forcibly remove those performing the sit-in if it continues after school hours.
According to an SVA spokesperson, the administrative offices were closed at 1 p.m. and student services were continued remotely. They were also asked to move elsewhere, which they refused.
“School of Visual Arts is committed to supporting free speech and engaged citizenry among our community and are equally committed to maintaining a safe environment for all. We share in our students’ rejection of violence and encourage them to peacefully express themselves without hate speech or discrimination,” a statement from SVA read.
In response, students apparently asked if the SVA wants to join the growing list of colleges who have called police on their students.
This comes after the NYPD dismantled encampments at Columbia University, City College, and Fordham University. Protests at NYU and Fashion Institute remain ongoing.
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