New School: News & Politics

Since taking office last January, President Donal Trump has made international travel to the US rife with barriers and anxiety. Visas are increasingly challenged, and among those most impacted are potential international students, which make up 34% of the New School’s student body. 

Produced by: Lily Guggenheim, Francie Heidelberg, Aima Aig-Imoukhuede, Christian Morrow, Kyle Pittman, and Josephine Racz.

In the very first weeks after President Donald Trump took office, he released a slew of executive orders addressing all different issues. Some of those had to do with those who traveled to the U.S. on a visa, and some specifically targeted international students studying on visas. One specific executive order targets student visa holders who may have participated in protests on campus in 2024 during the student encampment movements, which were in response to institutions’ financial support of Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestine. At the time that we began developing this story, no actions had been taken suggesting that these orders from the current executive administration might lead to real consequences. Sentiments on campus at the New School were more skeptical than fearful or nervous. Now, international students at schools across the country have actually faced repercussions because of these executive orders and have had their student visas rescinded and faced deportation because of it. Tensions on campus have risen, as the New School was one of the universities at the forefront of the 2024 pro-Palestine protests, and the administration is preparing for any acts that could jeopardize the safety of their students. 

Produced by: Izzy Hall, Simon Jones, Juliana Krigsman, Taz Zamri

Photo credit: Simon Jones

Heightened security at The New School has left many students feeling uneasy and uncertain. What are the reasons behind the increased security presence and what are its impact on the campus community. An exploration into equitable solutions for deciding the future of security measures at The New School.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election sparked diverse reactions among young voters, particularly in relation to the economy, tariffs, and tax reform. Many college students express concerns about the impact of Donald Trump's proposed fiscal policies on their financial futures. From inflation and rising costs to fears of a potential economic downturn, the tension between the current state of the economy and perceptions of its health is explored. The piece also addresses how Trump's plans could reshape both short-term financial conditions and long-term economic growth, particularly for today’s youth.

Produced By: Milo Evashchen, Jordan Pagach, Taylor Carn, & Robinett Espinal

The impact of the gang database on black & brown life.

Produced by Alisha Mess

The NYC Department of Sanitation is finally replacing the iconic green wire bins with stackable, molded plastic cans in response to Mayor Adams’ “war on rats.” WNSR reported on this monumental change and how community members perceived it. 

Produced By: M Shimek, Lillian Heckler, Emily Wampold, Gabriella Bottomley, and Jordan Jainlett.

At the start of the fall semester of 2023, The New School informed students about its updated university policy, which prohibits students from using artificial intelligence. Although this policy was implemented to ensure that students aren't solely relying on AI to complete assignments, it has dismissed the many ways that AI is helping students submit their best work.

Produced By: Michael McDonald, Caroline Capuano, Mackenzie Peluso, Alisha Mess, Paola Trinh 

On November 16th, 2022, the New School’s part-time faculty, represented by ACT-UAW 7902, voted to strike after contract negotiations with the administration broke down. The month-long labor action was exhausting and revealing, and left an indelible mark on the institution and its many shareholders. In the spring of 2023, students from the On Air: Radio/Podcasting course undertook to tell the story of the strike. This six-part program, Roar & Recovery, launches, fittingly, on Labor Day, with Part 1: Labor and the Legacy of Change.

Producers: Blake Broder, Solstice Burdick, Jamie Reardon, Sammy Schwartzman, Mikai Tilton

On Wednesday November 16th, 2022 the New School’s part-time faculty, represented by ACT-UAW Local 7902, ACT U A W LOCAL 7 9 ZERO TWO, voted to strike after negotiations with the University Administration failed to produce an acceptable new contract. A week later, spirits and commitment were still high, with a dense picket line circling in front of the school’s flagship University Center at 63 Fifth Avenue.  In addition to chanting, picketers made a joyful noise with a range of home-made instruments from washboards to drums. Protestors were drawn from many parts of the New School: part-time and full-time faculty across programs and divisions; undergraduate, grad students, and their parents. As of the first of the year, the union approved a tentative new contract.

Recorded and reported by Sarah Montague

The collective bargaining agreement sets an expectation between part-time faculty and The New

School administration. Discussions for a new collective bargaining agreement are beginning to

ramp up, and the result will have a lasting impact on The New School community for the next

four years. Find out how this agreement happens with interviews from union representatives and

New School administrators.

Production by: Maria Jose Canon, Ryan Minter, Ellie Paloma-Bursby, Grant Parsons, and

Victoria Reyes