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across the country have actually faced repercussions because of these executive orders and have had their student visas rescinded and faced deportation because of it.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 ZamriPhoto 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 NewSchool administration. Discussions for a new collective bargaining agreement are beginning toramp up, and the result will have a lasting impact on The New School community for the nextfour years. Find out how this agreement happens with interviews from union representatives andNew School administrators.Production by: Maria Jose Canon, Ryan Minter, Ellie Paloma-Bursby, Grant Parsons, andVictoria Reyes

As The New School College students and faculty return to the New York City streets, they also return to the new guidelines set in place in order to keep the community safe. Students talk about their experiences with testing protocols and trouble with campus access and administrators make certain decisions in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic.Produced by Marley Collins, Katie Pruden, Maci Zakarin, Kathryn Munro and Rachel Opert

During the pandemic lockdown, gyms struggled with closures, while people struggled to maintain fitness regimes in their homes. We spoke with students, instructors, and staff about being physical in sequestered world.

Co-Vid has affected different generations in different ways. This interview-based feature looks at some of the challenges and coping mechanisms from the past year. Narrated by Elissa Robinson and produced by Elissa Robinson, Amanda Hemminger, Vanya Suchan, Christian Nesfield, and Daniel Ramirez.

New School president Dwight McBride joined The New School in April of 2020, stepping into a leadership role in the middle of the pandemic crisis. Aja Simpson, a graduate of the New School's Journalism & Design program, speaks with McBride about his role, and his vision for the school.

Thrift shopping has grown in popularity own to the presence of young shoppers on social media. Thrifting is sustainable, and decreases reliance on fast fashion, but also cuts into what has been a key resource for low-income individuals and families. In the midst of Co-Vid, is it safe, and is it ethical?

As Co-Vid 19 has shifted most academic operations into the realm of virtual learning, upending routine and normality, what impact has it had on schooling and early development? In the feature we speak to students (ages 6-18), teachers, and parents regarding their limitations, and hardships as a result of remote learning.Produced by Ann Kristine Estaris, Mitchell Sanford, Kylie Leon, Elia Griffin, Claire Ryan, Tasmia Islam.

The North Brooklyn Pipeline will serve as a channel to bring fracked gas from Pennsylvania to Brooklyn. To do so, the seven-mile pipeline will extend through predominantly low-incomeareas in the borough. Activists and community members ask: at what cost?Produced by Sonya Lustig, Amanda Hemminger, Ariana Guerra, Maya Lee, and David Moore

On October 2nd the New School announced the layoff of 122 staff members, among them Eugene Lang’s director of finance, Alex Draifinger, and the curator of the school’s important collection of contemporary art, Silvia Rocciolo; vital services at every level were affected.In a memo to the University, President Dwight McBride called it a “difficult but necessary decision.” The action spotlighted not only the university’s fiscal crisis, but long-established gaps in communication between faculty, staff, and the administration. Going forward, the school will need to rebuild trust, and remain true to its vision.

On September 1 the Provost’s Office announced that Jennifer Wilson had been appointed Interim Dean of Eugene Lang College, replacing Stephanie Browner, now who is stepping into the leadership role in the Provost’s Office.  Wilson is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and had also been acting as Lang’s Associate Dean of Faculty.   WNSR’s Ruby Seiwert spoke to Wilson about her new role, her history at Lang College, and how math has helped shape her life.  Spoiler alert: she thought she wanted to be an art historian.

After Dr. Derald Wing Sue, a professor of psychology and education at Teachers College, spoke at The New School on microaggressions in academia, three students shared their experiences with them. Reported, Produced, & Mixed by Andrew Orellana

This podcast discusses impeachment as an element in the constitution and current public opinion on impeachment. It features interviews with Lisa Huestis and Tony Peer. Produced By Isabelle Rosa

By Jackson Pacheco

NYC Congestion Pricing by WNSR contributors

Ever wondered about those trendy cafes filled with Australians scattered around downtown New York? In this episode, we explore everything from the delectable menu options to the good-natured philosophies of these hip restaurants. Turns out, they have much more to offer New Yorkers than their tasty avocado toast. Song Credit (at the end)- Land Down Under by Men at Work

Everyone uses the bathroom at some point in their day. However, this seemingly banal task can be quite challenging for many New Yorkers due to a serious lack of public toilet infrastructure. Even here at The New School, despite slow progress; it isn't easy for some students to safely access a bathroom when they're rushing between classes. WNSR reporters Jade Gomez and Tyler Simmons are on the case to figure out what lies behind this glaring lack.

The #MeToo Movement has been at the forefront of of the media since October 2017. We explored what students at The New School want to see from the movement and what experts predict.

WNSR Election Report by WNSR contributors

Students from WNSR explore the features of the university’s recently renovated Arnold Hall. The Building now houses the University’s performing arts departments, which include Mannes, Jazz, and Drama. In this piece, WNSR asks members of the student body about some of their opinions on the new facility, and also looks at the administrative reasons for the move. This piece was produced by Tyler Elmore, Tiggy Flaherty, Charles Innis, and Julia Purcell. Music by Ben Sounds

While moving from one state to another is difficult enough, moving from one country to another brings a whole different host of problems. Sonia Barrientos spoke to Monique Nqozi Nri of the International Students Scholars Office at the New School about the issues international students may face and what support the New School may offer them.

For some, the college experience brings to mind memories of frat parties, full lecture halls, and late nights spent typing up essays. For others, these memories are replaced by handcuffs and jail cells. Inmates of Walkill Correctional Facility in upstate New York and Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan are amongst the few who have access to college accredited courses during their time in prison. In collaboration with New York University and The New School, amongst others, some New York prisons are allowing inmates to participate in college-accredited courses. José Diaz, Kaitlin Noss, Zishan Urgulu, and Hannah Levy share their insights regarding the U.S. penal system and the power of education.Produced by Sonya Lustig, Quinn Cawley, and Justin Rai

Reporting from Elizabeth Warren’s rally in Washington Square Park Produced by Adina Karp, Jay Tobin, Layla Lari, & Omer Soylemez

How do commuter students navigate life on campus while living off campus? Find out here, including and interview with Aaron Brown about his final thesis on the L train shutdown. Intro/Outro Music by Ryan Natsis @LovelyBoyOnline

Could The New School be dong more to educate its students on environmental responsibility? We talked to Sustainable Systems professor Michelle Laporte to find out.

2018 Midterm Elections by WNSR contributors

The first episode of New School Storytellers, on the theme of New School Firsts!

“Providing students of color with a space in which they are not constantly infected by white supremacy provides a sense of community and support needed to continue to exist in such an institution,” said Talia Moore, a third year in Lang’s Journalism + Design program. (The New School Free Press, Students of Color Demand Dedicated Space in Forum With Admins, 2018) Students of Color at the New School demand a larger space than the small meeting room they have dedicated to only for students of color. They hoped to claim a space they can go to to connect with people like them, study in an environment that feels like home, and relax. This request raised conflict and pushed a movement, some disagreeing with the new space. This movement is a groundbreaking success for not only The New School, but for students of color across the nation.

Climate Change. One can't go very long without hearing those two words. Whether or not you think the issue is real, the conversation about it is. WNSR takes a closer look at the dialogue around climate change here in New York City, and more specifically at The New School. After an winter season of intense weather events and abrupt temperature jumps, we were curious as to how residents, as well as some professionals on the subject, define Climate Change and if there's anything we can do about it.

The New School is located near one of New York City’s busiest subway stations, 14th street. As a result of this, many students are dependent on the trains as their main mode of transportation. This summer, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in the MTA making it harder for students, and commuters all around New York City, to get to their destinations without facing delays. WNSR spoke to a few students and one of WNYC’s lead transit reporters- Stephen Nessen, about the current status of the MTA, its impact on commuters and future plans for reconstruction.

A short narrative and sound design piece based on the memory of my first visit to New York city before moving there for college. In this piece, I juxtapose the soundscape of a common beach from Florida (where I am from originally) to the sounds of New York City. Prod: Christian Scutt

In this track, New School students Sharun Bell and Joseph Elmhirst look into their classmates and school's understanding of consent and also how to take prevent and take action against sexual violence.

What would classes be like if they were as enjoyable as games? This is a question no-one can answer better than Roger Manix, who teaches “The Play Gymnasium” class at The New School. Roger proposes Embodied Practice and Somatic learning; he encourages a sense of play within the classroom, which results in his students developing a richer sense of what it means to be human, communicating more effectively, and cultivating empathy.

In this WNSR piece, we evaluate the position of Betsy Devos through collegiate lenses. Students, Professors, and even government officials voice their opinion about Devos and her assumed power through the Trump Administration. We discuss loans, disabilities, and the future of health and education under Devos and the Trump Administration.

After Jeff Sessions announced the end of the DACA program, schools around the country have been responding with support and advocacy for their undocumented students. At The New School, Christina Dawkins works with the Eugene Lang Civic Engagement for Social Justice team to figure out what steps to take forward. Produced by Aja Simpson

At the New School, getting to class on time can be just as much of a pain as registering for classes or battling loads of work. Here's why the elevators at the New School have become a unifying cultural artifact. Produced by Arie Pramono, Angela Difede, Freya Dobson and Juno Roome. Written by Arie Pramono, Angela Difede, and Freya Dobson. Mixed by Arie Pramono and Juno Roome. Mastered by Juno Roome.

A month out from the 2016 Presidential election, WNSR reports on how the New School has been responding to the outcome. Producers: Henry O'Reilly, Isabel Naturman, Rose Fox, Amani Orr Music: "Channel Suite" by Jake Naturman Photo: Pixabay

The WNSR team wondered why The New School population smokes so much. We took to the streets to find out! From theater performers to fashion designers, is it the social aspect or the stress relief that draws TNS students to smoking. Or is it both? Produced by Sage Smith, Madeline Stoffer, Emily Ashenden, and Grace Raymond

With 600,000 dogs in New York City, producing a total of 96 tons of waste a day, dog waste is a major issue covering sidewalks and is stuck to the bottom of shoes around the city. We talked to NYC locals and dog owners about how dog waste affects them and whether they are aware of the laws surrounding the cleaning and disposal of waste.

Philanthropist and businessman Eugene Lang, who generously supported the liberal arts college that bears his name, died on April 8th at the age of 98. Lang is also well known for the creation of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which offers inner city youth educational opportunities. Lang is remembered here by Eugene Lang College Dean Stephanie Browner, and by Cecilia Rubino, who coordinates the I Have a Dream after-school program at Lang. WNSR reporter Emily Ashenden narrates.

WNSR reporter Julia Purcell covered the March 8 rally in Washington Square Park, and found that many different groups had empowerment in common.