The New School just slashed 87 jobs, including 19 full-time faculty members, to tackle a staggering $60 million budget gap, WWD reports. The massive workforce reduction of 87 jobs signals immediate, drastic operational changes for the institution. The New School, known for its progressive ideals and academic excellence, is now implementing significant layoffs. The 87 job cuts directly undermine its workforce and could damage its educational offerings. Facing such a severe budget crisis and widespread layoffs, The New School is clearly prioritizing financial stability over programmatic expansion. This strategic retreat from its progressive academic identity will likely lead to a leaner, but potentially less diverse, academic environment in the short term.
The Specifics of the Workforce Reduction
The 87 cuts include 68 staffers and 19 full-time faculty members, WWD confirmed. While Hyperallergic and artforum also report 19 faculty layoffs, The Chronicle of Higher Education notes the university has only 'begun' laying off full-time faculty. The Chronicle of Higher Education's report that the university has only 'begun' laying off full-time faculty suggests the initial 19 faculty layoffs might just be the start, with more reductions potentially on the horizon. Targeting both staff and faculty shows a comprehensive effort to streamline operations and slash personnel costs. It's clear the institution is willing to hit its core academic offerings and teaching capacity, not just administrative roles, to tackle this deficit.
What Caused The New School Staff Reduction in 2026?
The cuts directly address The New School's $60 million budget gap, artforum reported. To close this, the university plans to lay off 15 percent of its full-time faculty and staff. This massive 15% reduction, driven by a $60 million deficit, points to a deep, systemic financial vulnerability. It proves even progressive institutions with strong brands aren't immune to higher education's broader structural challenges. The decision to lay off 15 percent of its full-time faculty and staff is a desperate pivot, shifting The New School from its progressive educational mission toward a financially leaner, but academically diminished, future.
Precursors to the Current Reductions
These layoffs weren't a surprise. Last December, 40 percent of The New School staffers already received voluntary separation or early retirement offers, artforum reported. The December offers of voluntary separation or early retirement to 40 percent of staffers show the university tried to manage its workforce before resorting to mandatory cuts, indicating a financial crisis brewing for months. The New School's financial woes are a chronic condition, with leadership seemingly unable to stem the bleeding without resorting to drastic, identity-altering measures.
By the end of 2026, The New School's operational model will likely be significantly altered, reflecting its pivot towards fiscal solvency at the cost of its previous academic breadth.
