Update on University Center Demonstration
As you may be aware, earlier today a group of student demonstrators set up an unauthorized encampment in the lobby of The New School’s University Center building. President Shalala has spoken with the students involved in this activity in an effort to resolve the situation.
In response to the students’ requests, President Shalala has agreed to schedule a meeting tomorrow with Mark Diaz, Executive Vice President for Business and Operations, and designated members of the student group who want to discuss their interest in divesting from certain holdings within the university’s endowment. The President will also schedule a meeting with the Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee in the near future to consider the students’ request for financial transparency of the university’s investments. In addition, the university will reestablish the investment advisory committee on investor responsibility including elected student representatives and faculty and staff representation. Because of the successful dialogue between the President and the students, there will be no charges for the demonstration.
During this especially charged time in our society, the university is strongly committed to supporting the rights of members of our community to peacefully protest and express themselves, and to do so in accordance with the university’s codes of conduct. We hope these steps will help us all move forward together.