The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), today condemned the reported actions of CUNY Brooklyn College, CUNY John Jay College and Barclays Center security for the discriminatory targeting, search, and seizure of Palestinian symbols during colleges commencement ceremonies.
WATCH: Video
Earlier this month at Brooklyn College’s graduation ceremony held at the Barclays Center, dozens of Palestinian and allied students prepared to peacefully carry Palestinian flags across the stage—a tradition of cultural pride and solidarity often observed by graduates. Instead, they were allegedly subjected to racial profiling and unwarranted searches and seizures of personal property. Reportedly, only visibly Arab and Muslim students were singled out, their personal belongings—including Palestinian keffiyehs and flags—confiscated. Some students were detained, and family members were reportedly harassed and threatened with removal from the venue requesting the return of their property.
At the same venue earlier this week, during CUNY John Jay’s commencement ceremony, two adults aggressively assaulted two young, visibly Muslim women. It appears that the two victims were audience members protesting in protest of Palestine during the graduation ceremony. Two adults, male and female, approached the young ladies yelling at them, snatching their signs, and throwing the signs to the lower levels. It also appears that one of the perpetrators pushed one of the victims. What appears to be security then escorts the victims out, instead of the aggressors.
Ironically, this incident occurred under a sign that states “FIERCE ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE.”
CAIR-NY’s Executive Director, Afaf Nasher, Esq. said:
“It is deeply troubling to see students targeted, searched, and assaulted for expressing solidarity with Palestine during such a significant personal milestone. These institutions have forever tarnished their reputation with anyone who believes free speech should be upheld. Present and graduating students will surely remember the repeated harms inflicted by their colleges.”
CAIR-NY continues to call on Brooklyn College to stop escalating situations with the NYPD Strategic Response Group and drop all disciplinary actions.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemn CUNY Brooklyn Colleges Crackdown on Peaceful Anti-Genocide Student Protesters
CAIR-NY notes that last year at CUNY Law, a Man Allegedly Hit Two Muslim Women at a commencement ceremony.
If you have experienced discrimination or violence during an arrest at a protest, please contact CAIR-NY by filling out an incident report on our website (LINK).
END
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com