KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Monday let her feelings known as to how protesters at SUNY New Paltz were treated last Thursday night.
A total 132 people were arrested in Parker Quad at SUNY New Paltz in what she called “a show of force” by State Police.
She said the students “were engaging in peaceful protest and standing up for what they fervently believe, and the response of law enforcement was disproportionate to the scene in front of them.”
Metzger has let her feelings known about the police response to officials in Albany.
“I know President Wheeler to be a thoughtful leader, and know he faced difficult decisions that day — decisions that will have lasting consequences for the campus community,” she said. “Students, faculty members, and community members have understandably expressed shock and dismay about what transpired that evening. Moving forward from here, much work must be done to rebuild trust, with open dialogue and communication about why events unfolded and escalated the way they did.”
