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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsColumbia University employees describe captivity by pro-Palestinian protesters.
NEW YORK A prominent transit union leader plans to sue Columbia University over alleged mistreatment of school staffers during a building seizure last week the latest labor group to wade into the debate surrounding campus unrest.
John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union which represents 155,000 workers across the airline, transit, railroad, universities, utilities and service sectors castigated Columbia President Minouche Shafik for waiting too long to authorize the NYPD to clear out Hamilton Hall after demonstrators occupied it last Tuesday night........
When the custodians told the demonstrators that they wanted to get out of the building, at least one smarmy, sanctimonious, elitist ... occupier in a reference to the Gaza protests and takeover of Hamilton told them they would not be able to exit premises because this moment is bigger than you, Samuelsen alleged in the letter.
The custodians had to then fight their way toward one of the barricaded exits to escape, he said.
The security officer, an African American woman, managed to slip out before the barricades were set up, Samuelsen added. But shes still shaken by her run-in with the demonstrators who verbally attacked her in a very aggressive and extremely offensive manner, he said.
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/07/tranport-workers-union-columbia-lawsuit-00156421
JohnSJ
(92,582 posts)AZSkiffyGeek
(11,221 posts)Kidnap other innocent people?
getagrip_already
(15,047 posts)And is a felony in all 50 states. If violence is a component, there are enhanced penalties.
betsuni
(25,871 posts)"In solidarity" revolutionary pseudos.
AZSkiffyGeek
(11,221 posts)And the mean old adminstrators weren't bringing them humanitarian aid.
rollin74
(1,996 posts)and do some prison time
Columbia let this shit go on for way too long. Glad there are lawsuits in the works.
JI7
(89,297 posts)and I'm not even talking about regular tuition.
JustAnotherGen
(32,103 posts)You don't hold people against your will - and if they have to escape -
Then you kidnapped them and/or are holding them hostage.
Don't fuck with black women - we are tired of America's shit.
RAB910
(3,547 posts)RandySF
(60,071 posts)Last edited Tue May 7, 2024, 11:25 AM - Edit history (1)
RAB910
(3,547 posts)BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)ripcord
(5,553 posts)Something that horrible really puts the kidnapping into perspective.
RAB910
(3,547 posts)BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)And I know that had to be scary and unpleasant. But can you please refrain from calling the kidnappers names. They have feelings too. And families that care about them. Calling them names really is a step too far.
This place never disappoints. 😂
RAB910
(3,547 posts)but to each their own
BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)I am amused with the throwback to elementary school.
RAB910
(3,547 posts)If you see it simply as a "elementary school" use, to each their own
BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)RAB910
(3,547 posts)the hyperbole or the lack of civility
BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)😉
RAB910
(3,547 posts)BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)Because denying someone was kidnapped is a great approach?.
RAB910
(3,547 posts)I will say, you completely lost me with the "pro Hamas" comment
BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)Must have been a slip.
sarisataka
(18,961 posts)The people they were kidnapping said hurtful things about them.
RAB910
(3,547 posts)sarisataka
(18,961 posts)of them trying to keep workers from leaving, but hey- name calling...
sarisataka
(18,961 posts)however here are the reports as the workers were released saying they were held hostage. Note that did not all come out at the same time...
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/columbia-protesters-occupy-building-smashing-windows-worker-they-held-me-hostage/
RAB910
(3,547 posts)sarisataka
(18,961 posts)so I can judge a case based on merits as I see. Were I on a jury then I would give a presumption of innocence.
IMHO holding people against their will is much more serious than "name calling". YMMV
betsuni
(25,871 posts)Last edited Tue May 7, 2024, 12:12 PM - Edit history (1)
RandySF
(60,071 posts)RAB910
(3,547 posts)RandySF
(60,071 posts)XorXor
(634 posts)Would you then agree the captives comments were understandable? Would you agree that the protesters were in the wrong and should be held accountable? This, of course, all hinges on it be demonstrated to be a factual account.
yardwork
(61,849 posts)In my opinion there is poor strategy on many sides of this. I believe the overall purpose of the Oct 7 attack on Israel, and the well-funded and organized PR campaign that followed, is to create chaos and divide Americans. The ultimate goal is to get Trump back in the White House.
Americans could be handling this a lot better. We could all try harder not to escalate tensions.
Rebl2
(13,638 posts)not kidnapping or being held against your will?
BannonsLiver
(16,551 posts)According to the poster above. Strange logic, and Im not sure kidnapping victims and law enforcement officials would agree.
FHRRK
(550 posts)Unlawful detainment doesnt look good on a resume.
MichMan
(12,010 posts)FHRRK
(550 posts)Seems pretty much an open and shut case.
They have the right to protest, they dont have the right to infringe on others rights.