The New School in New York City plans to lay off 15 percent of its full-time faculty and staff by June. This follows a months-long conflict with faculty and a reported $48 million deficit, with the university previously offering voluntary separation packages to 40% of staff.
This move reflects a broader crisis in higher education, driven by declining enrollment, demographic shifts, restrictions on international students, and rising tuition costs. Similar staff reductions are occurring at other institutions like the School of Visual Arts and Princeton University, signaling widespread financial strain and potential impacts on academic quality and labor conditions across the sector.