Students at The New School Express Frustration Over Second Strike in Two Years

The New School has witnessed two significant strikes within two years, causing widespread student frustration. The first, led by part-time faculty (PTF) union ACT-UAW Local 7902 in fall 2022, and the recent one by the academic student workers’ union (SENS-UAW), have both disrupted classes and student life. Students express conflicting feelings, supporting fair pay for workers but distressed over lost educational opportunities and considering the impact on their mental health and academic progression. 

“I constantly think about dropping out, but transferring from The New School is purposefully difficult,” [third-year contemporary music student Carson] Strassman said. “I know many people who have transferred in and out of The New School and it is very difficult because your credits don’t transfer correctly. People are losing a year of academic credit.”

Gladen-Kolarsky also said that he knows people who are considering dropping out. “It’s not worth it to be paying as much money as the New School is charging to not be learning stuff and not being in school.”

NEW SCHOOL FREE PRESS

It’s important to remember that all teachers have individual rights, regardless of union activities. This includes the choice not to participate in strikes such as these. 

For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.