Cornell University is suspending students after an encampment on campus declined to move to an alternate location, President Martha E. Pollack said in a message Monday.
"Last Thursday, a group of individuals formed an encampment on the Arts Quad," Pollack said. "A student group had previously requested permission for an art installation there, consistent with our policies; however, they were dishonest in their request, stating that there would not be tents and that the art installation would be removed by 8 p.m. on Thursday."
Cornell University leaders then offered an alternative location for the encampment, according to Pollack.
"With an approved permit in hand, the protesters could have remained in the alternative location, per our policies, thereby avoiding disciplinary sanctions," Pollack's message said.
"The individuals requested and received multiple opportunities, over a five-hour span, to consider their options, but ultimately decided not to move. They were then reminded several additional times that afternoon and evening that if the tents were not taken down, they would be subject to disciplinary action for violating the university’s time, place, and manner rules. With full knowledge of the sanctions to come, they again refused to comply, and we moved forward with a first set of immediate temporary suspensions," Pollack continued.
Suspensions followed throughout the weekend as university leaders tried again to give the encampment, an "opportunity to move to the alternate location."
"Since last Thursday, we have tried to engage thoughtfully with the participants, and will try to continue to do so. But we need to soon get to a resolution that respects our policies, promotes the public health and safety of the community, and preserves the rights of all to do their work," Pollack said.
CNN's Michelle Watson contributed to this report