Early Friday AM NYU Occupation Update

Rochester SDS students report from the scene at the solidarity rally outside occupied building at NY university <!--break--> 2am est 20 Feb 2009 Kimmel Center, NYU, New York, NY A group of students who traveled yesterday to attend a solidarity rally outside occupied building at NYU just gave the following report: -A crowd of approximately 600 to 700 people from all over the NY area are gathered outside Kimmel Center at NYU. Some of them are reportedly counter protesters. -At approximately 12pm police moved in with clubs and mace to push back crowd that had removed barricades in front of the building. One student from Rochester was hit with a chemical agent but is without serious injury. -Police and protesters outside Kimmel are standing by, but earlier action allowed another 30 students to enter the occupied building. -University president Sexton had refused to negotiate with any students about their demands since the occupation began last Thursday at 10pm. Sexton has now granted the students inside the building amnesty for the evening from his threat of expulsion. Students will remain inside for the rest of night and the administration will begin negotiations with them in the morning.

<p>Rochester SDS students report from the scene at the solidarity rally outside occupied building at NY university</p> <!--break--><p>2am est 20 Feb 2009 Kimmel Center, NYU, New York, NY</p> <p>A group of students who traveled yesterday to attend a solidarity rally outside occupied building at NYU just gave the following report:</p> <p>-A crowd of approximately 600 to 700 people from all over the NY area are gathered outside Kimmel Center at NYU. Some of them are reportedly counter protesters.</p> <p>-At approximately 12pm police moved in with clubs and mace to push back crowd that had removed barricades in front of the building. One student from Rochester was hit with a chemical agent but is without serious injury.</p> <p>-Police and protesters outside Kimmel are standing by, but earlier action allowed another 30 students to enter the occupied building.</p> <p>-University president Sexton had refused to negotiate with any students about their demands since the occupation began last Thursday at 10pm. Sexton has now granted the students inside the building amnesty for the evening from his threat of expulsion. Students will remain inside for the rest of night and the administration will begin negotiations with them in the morning.</p>