Suffolk Reporter

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STONY BROOK, NY - Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) held a meeting with Stony Brook University Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer Larry Zacarese after University Law Enforcement ensured the safety of its students and maintained the rule of law by dispersing unlawful pro-Palestinian protests.

"Upon my return from Washington today, I visited Stony Brook University to thank my friend Larry Zacarese for his leadership and his officers’ work following the recent protests on campus and subsequent unlawful conduct. Their professionalism has ensured students’ safety and an environment much different and better than the abhorrent and antisemitic harassment and assaults at Columbia University," said LaLota.

LaLota emphasized the importance of upholding the rights of individuals while also respecting the law, stating, "Every American has a First Amendment Right to free speech, free assembly, and free expression. Yet, our laws prohibit trespass, assault, and battery and I applaud Law Enforcement and University officials for taking swift action to hold those who violated campus rules and our state’s laws accountable. Jewish students should not fear for their safety and Stony Brook’s actions are a model for other universities to follow."