#NYU warns students about COVID-19 rules after rager in Washington Square Park

NYU warned students to remain socially distant in public after a video surfaced showing hundreds of young people congregating in Washington Square Park on Saturday night.

The school made the announcement after young adults were seen drinking, dancing, and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at the popular outdoor NYU hangout just days after classes resumed on Wednesday.

“If you’re having a good time, let me hear ya say yeah,” shouted a MC at the iconic fountain, surrounded by kids who were not wearing masks or face coverings.

The video shows police cars and officers stationed outside the park seemingly on standby, but not appearing to enforce any crowd control.

The public park is just steps away from NYU, surrounded by the university’s dorms and academic buildings.

Cleanup was underway Sunday morning, a Parks Department crew was seen cleaning the trash from the overnight party.

“We have received reports and videos of large crowds of young people gathering in Washington Square Park last night, with some people not wearing masks or distancing,”  Marc Wais, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs wrote in a statement on Sunday night.

He continued, “We are investigating the circumstances from last night and any students who have violated our expectations will be subject to disciplinary action.”

NYU tweeted on Saturday that more than 20 students had been suspended for breaking the school’s new coronavirus policies as colleges grapple with how to keep young adults from spreading COVID-19.

The school, which did not provide details about the suspensions, tweeted the update after less than a week of in-person instruction.

“Please don’t be the next. Avoid parties and bars,” the school said. “Wear a mask. Keep your distance.”