NEWARK, NJ — Today, Rutgers University Police, assisted by Newark Police for traffic control, dismantled a student protest encampment at Rutgers University-Newark. The decision to remove the encampment came from the university police, with Newark officers positioned to manage traffic not engaging directly in the removal.
During the operation, three Newark Police officers, initially assigned to traffic duties, intervened to aid Rutgers Police who had detained a man after a chase and were facing a growing crowd. The crowd was subsequently dispersed, and the detained individual was released without charges by Rutgers Police, allowing Newark officers to resume their traffic control posts.
Newark’s Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz G. Frage commend Rutgers University-Newark for its handling of the situation, particularly noting the respectful approach towards the protesters which has been seen as a model for managing campus protests nationally. Chancellor Nancy Cantor was specifically thanked for her leadership and the university’s commitment to maintaining peace and respecting students’ rights to assemble.
In an unrelated incident, one Newark Police officer is under investigation for inappropriate conduct at the scene. The city maintains its stance on respecting public rights and diverse viewpoints, ensuring that all engagements are handled with due respect and legal adherence.