23 Arrested in New School Protests

NEW YORK - A five-hour standoff at the New School University ended Friday with the arrest of 23 protesters, police said.

The demonstrators locked themselves into the West 12th Street building around 6 a.m.

Police said Internet claims that tear gas and mace were used were false.

The protesters said the West Village building houses a cafeteria but classes are not held there.

Protesters gave a rambling laundry list of reasons for their actions. They included management and budget issues, and a desire for more study space.

The demonstrators were charged with trespassing.

Police say protesters also kicked a maintenance man out of the building and stole his radio, and may face additional robbery
charges.