The following is a statement from Richard C. Iannuzzi, president of New York State United Teachers:
"NYSUT is very disappointed at the decision and manner used to evict the Occupy Wall Street encampment. The forced eviction of peaceful protesters is in direct conflict with their fundamental First Amendment freedoms; such overreaching can and should have been avoided to preserve the occupiers' constitutional rights.
"The Occupy Wall Street movement is exactly that - a movement. It is not a place or a person. These are voices that must be heard and will be heard, regardless of where they are - or are not - allowed to be."
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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