About 40% of full‑time professors at the New School received separation‑package or early‑retirement offers as university leaders attempt to close a $48 million budget shortfall. Leadership warned of involuntary reductions if offers aren’t accepted, prompting faculty outrage and claims of a breakdown in shared governance. President Joel Towers framed the moves as necessary to stabilize finances after multi‑year deficits and declining enrollment; faculty described the outreach as abusive and precipitous. The rapid timeline, limited faculty input, and offers contingent on quick acceptance have heightened concerns about academic program cuts, faculty morale, and the institution’s credit and accreditation position. The case is a test of governance norms as private institutions facing enrollment and revenue pressures increasingly move to deep, unilateral workforce reductions.