Rutgers Officials, Muslim Students Discuss NYPD

Muslim students want Rutgers University officials to press the New York City police department to reveal the extent of its activities at New Jersey campuses.

They also want the school to take a stronger stand on the issue.

Current and former students met with Rutgers President Richard McCormick and other officials Monday night. They presented a petition, with more than 1,000 signatures, that demands Rutgers issue a stronger statement on the NYPD's alleged actions and announce a zero tolerance policy against profiling.

A message left Tuesday for Rutgers officials was not immediately returned. A university spokesman has said the university was unaware of the activities at the time.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the NYPD monitored Muslim student groups, including at Rutgers. NYPD officials have defended the practice.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)