When police in riot gear stormed SUNY New Paltz and made 133 arrests at a pro-Palestine protest in May, did they go too far?
Civil rights attorney Michael Sussman seems to think so, and recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven of the demonstrators against SUNY New Paltz President Darrell Wheeler, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and other law enforcement officials. The suit alleges false arrests, freedom of speech violations, and excessive force.
The demonstrators claim they were zip-tied, dragged, and had airsoft rifles pointed at them, with one plaintiff saying they suffered a head injury after being thrown into a pallet and another alleging inappropriate contact during her arrest. The lawsuit also alleges mistreatment during detention, including denial of water and bathroom access. Sussman contended the response was disproportionate and punishes responsible citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.
Authorities previously cited safety concerns, with some Jewish students describing the protest as antisemitic, but the plaintiffs argue the demonstration was peaceful and their rights to protest were violated.
Authorities have yet to comment on the lawsuit.
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