November 23, 2011

We are working to resolve the situation at 90 Fifth Avenue. Last night, with over 120 people at a General Assembly organized by the occupation, far more than two-thirds voted to accept the offer to move to Kellen Gallery. Given this outcome, we met with representatives of the protest to discuss details and began to prepare Kellen for its use as a locus for student organizing open to all.

This morning we learned that a small group of protesters is considering not accepting the resolution and refusing to allow the Study Center to return to its intended use. As of last night, they continued to violate fire and life safety standards, including obstructing fire egresses, and had ejected peers who voted with the majority. This is a situation antithetical to our values as a university.

In support of The New School mission to educate students and to maintain a safe and non-violent environment for all, it is imperative that the Study Center be returned to its intended use and the terms of last night's resolution be honored. The Study Center was the result of years of student advocacy and more than $1,000,000 of expense. We are working diligently to resolve the situation.