Free Speech & Safety On Campus

The university encourages the exercise of free speech, recognizing that, at times, the exercise of free speech and expression in a university community will result in exchanges that are heated, controversial, deeply passionate, and even uncomfortable for members of the university community. The New School’s establishment of Demonstration Guidelines defining parameters for such activities does not arise from any desire by the university to control such activities or impose a civility code but, rather, is derived from the consonant principle that such activities must not materially disrupt other university functions or interfere with the freedom of others, or otherwise violate the rights of others.

The New School encourages free expression and protects academic freedom, which are central principles to the mission of higher education and New School values. Students, faculty, staff, registered student organizations, academic, and administrative units may desire to display posters that promote an event, exhibit, or activity, recruit, or express an opinion. 

The university’s poster policy establishes the time, place, and manner parameters in the displaying of posters. The university’s staff responsible for building operations are authorized to remove posters that violate this policy immediately and without notice.

The New School social media accounts should be welcoming and inclusive spaces for our community members and cannot be used to further personal and/or political viewpoints. Moreover, The New School does not tolerate hate speech, bullying, harassment, or attacks on individuals on the basis of their race, gender, age, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexuality, appearance, or other protected characteristics in posts, comments, or DMs. Read our social media policy.

Activities in university facilities must be consistent with the educational purposes of the university. Any recognized faculty or student organization is entitled to use university space, as available, for activities of an educational nature and has the right to invite speakers representing any and all points of view to the university. The university recognizes the obligation to provide space for these purposes when it is available and does so in response to requests for the use of space made through the appropriate channels. Responsibility for conduct at university events, as outlined in The New School’s policy on the use of university facilities, lies with the university sponsors of those events, even when an event is co-sponsored by an outside organization. All activities and all participants in them must respect the right of every individual to freedom of expression and follow university guidelines and codes of conduct.

Events held on our campus are not intended to be, nor should they be construed as the university’s endorsement of any group’s political views, perspectives, or ideas.

The New School is committed to creating and sustaining an environment where students, faculty, and staff can study, work, and thrive unhampered by discrimination or harassment. If any member of our community experiences or observes an incident that harms them or someone else, please file a report and seek help.

Other violations of the Student Code of Conduct can be reported confidentially.

An update on the reports made to the Office of Student Conduct (Fall 2023).

The New School's Department of Campus Safety seeks to ensure that the rights of every member of the campus community are respected and that there exists a safe and secure atmosphere in all campus buildings. Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies on campus by calling 212.229.7001.

These Student Safety Tips are provided by the New York Police Department and the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police.

The New School Campus Safety App is available for download on iOS and Android devices. It provides instant access to campus safety resources such as Friend Walk, a feature that lets you share your location in real-time with a friend.

The Student Support team works with students to help them navigate non-academic challenges, distressing experiences, and crisis situations. Students who need extra support can email [email protected].

The advising staff at International Student and Scholar Services are available to offer support and discuss student concerns. You can schedule an appointment through Starfish, attend our virtual drop-in hours on Tuesdays or in person on Thursdays from 2:00-4:00 pm ET. Email [email protected], or call 212.229.5592.

Counselors at Student Health Services are available for in-person or virtual telecounseling appointments. Visit shsportal.newschool.edu to make an appointment.

Academic advisors are available to discuss academic plans and direct students to the best support services for your needs. Find yours on Starfish.

The Office of the University Ombuds is a safe, confidential space where you can have an off-the-record conversation about your experience or concerns and explore your options for moving forward.

The New School is committed to providing an array of comprehensive benefits intended to meet the needs of faculty and staff and their eligible dependents. Employees can seek additional support through the Employee Assistance Program or by contacting [email protected] or calling 212.229.5671 x4942.

Call 911 for any situation that requires immediate police, fire, or medical response to preserve life or property. 

Other Emergency Phone Numbers

• Campus Security (24 hour)
  212.229.7001
• Student Medical Services
  212.229.1671, option 2
• Student Counseling Services
  212.229.1671, option 1
• Security Director's Office
  212.229.5101

Know Where to Go

• Campus Security Office—68 Fifth Avenue, mezzanine level
• Student Health Services—80 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor
• List Courtyard (general assembly point)—66 West 12th Street
• Beth Israel Hospital ER—East 16th Street between First and Second Avenues
• View the Campus Map

External 24/7 Crisis Support Resources

• Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 (United States/Canada)
• NYC Well Text WELL to 65173 or call 1.888.692.9355 (more than 200 languages available)
• Lifeline 1.800.273.TALK (8255)

• President Shalala's October 9 Statement About the Hamas Attacks on Israel
• President Shalala’s October 10 Message
• President Shalala’s October 23 Message Standing Together as a Community
• Provost White’s October 23 Message Centering Our Humanity
• Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement Robert Mack's November 8 Message Supporting Your Safety and Protecting Free Speech
• President Shalala's November 15 Message in Response to the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) Demands Letter to the Administration
• December 4 Message Demonstrations on Campus
• January 31 Message The Work Ahead
• President Shalala's March 8 Message
• April 21 Message Update on University Center Demonstration
• President Shalala's May 3 Message Police Action at the University Center
• President Shalala's May 9 Message A Message to the University Community
• Provost White's May 9 Message What Comes Next for Our Community
• President Shalala's May 13 Message Announcing the Members of the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
• President Shalala's May 16 Message Update on the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
• May 20 Message Statement of Agreement to Vote on Divestment
• Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility’s June 12 Message Second Communication to The New School Community from the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility
• President Shalala's June 12 Message Reminder of University Codes, Policies, and Guidelines for Conduct