NYC Councilwoman Criticizes Cooper Union for Failing to Ensure Safety of Jewish Students
A New York City councilwoman recently arrested for allegedly carrying a firearm to a pro-Palestinian rally in Brooklyn has expressed her concerns about safety at Cooper Union following an incident where Jewish students were harassed and barricaded inside a library by pro-Palestinian protesters.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican representing the 48th District, took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing that she personally spoke with four Jewish students from Cooper Union, three of whom were caught inside the library on Wednesday while facing violent banging on the doors by protesters.
Based on her conversation with the students, Vernikov highlighted several key points about the incident.
Even though the rally was originally planned to take place outside the campus on public property, the protesters forcefully entered the library without facing any consequences for their actions.
According to the councilwoman, students informed her that faculty members canceled classes and encouraged participation in the protest, even offering extra credit. Some faculty members themselves joined the walkout.
Regarding security, students revealed to Vernikov that the campus had an insufficient number of security guards present at the time, and the response from the New York City Police Department was delayed. Allegedly, the NYPD informed students that they were not permitted on school grounds due to Cooper Union being a private institution.
“Some protesters exhibited violent behavior, brandished antisemitic signs, and even carried what appeared to be sticks,” Vernikov stated. “Instead of removing the protesters, the school opted to confine the Jewish students within the library walls.”
Vernikov emphasized that the Jewish students inside the library were deeply afraid and shaken, fearing the possibility of physical assault and harm.
The councilwoman revealed that the students reported hearing slogans such as “Globalize the intifada from New York to Gaza,” referencing Palestinian uprisings. Such incidents demonstrate a severe failure on Cooper Union’s part to protect its Jewish students from physical harm and create a safe environment, Vernikov argues. She demands accountability and believes that responsible parties should face consequences.
There are now calls for the resignation of university president Laura Sparks as a result of this incident.
A spokesperson for the school responded to the allegations, stating that the library was closed for a brief period of 20 minutes while the protesters moved through the building. Some students remained in the library during this time, accompanied by library staff. The spokesperson clarifies that all students, including those who participated in the protest, dispersed by 5:30 p.m. Additionally, contrary to some reports, the NYPD maintained a presence on campus throughout the day.
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