Demonstration at Palmer Square ends without incident

A demonstration at Palmer Square by people protesting a white supremacist group that had been expected to march in the town of Princeton Saturday, Jan. 12, ended without incident.

More than 500 people chanting and holding signs marched around the square for more than an hour early this afternoon. They went ahead with their demonstration even though the white supremacist group did not show up.

Department of Public Safety officers assisted the Princeton Police Department at the demonstration, which was contained to Palmer Square, near the front edge of campus.

"We are extremely grateful to our PPD colleagues and others from the municipality and other agencies who helped keep safe the campus community and the community at large," said Paul Ominsky, executive director of the University's Department of Public Safety.

The campus returned to normal operations shortly after 1 p.m., and buildings that were locked as a precaution during the demonstration were reopened.

On Friday, in a message to the University community, Vice President for Campus Life Rochelle Calhoun, Dean of the Faculty Sanjeev Kulkarni and Vice President for Human Resources Lianne Sullivan-Crowley issued a statement denouncing the hate espoused by the white supremacist group.

"This University has an unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion and human dignity, and it stands in opposition to all forms of hatred," they said. "In the face of hatred, we must be vigilant in our efforts to act on our values and to safeguard the well-being and humanity of our community members."

Throughout the day Saturday, several University centers had counselors and others available to anyone who wished to discuss issues related to racism and hate.

The Pace Center for Civic Engagement will hold a session at the Carl A. Fields Center on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Women*s and LGBT centers will host a luncheon and informal conversations in Frist Campus Center on Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.