Guards in white-collared shirts labeled “security” have been outside all New School buildings since the start of the fall 2024 semester. Like many of the freshmen who’ve just arrived — they’re new too.
According to the guards standing in front of Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall one afternoon at the end of August, they were hired through the private security service, Brosnan Risk Consultants. The guards told the New School Free Press that they’re there for “the safety of the students,” however many students are left with mixed emotions.
“It’s clearly a response to the [Gaza Solidarity] encampments. It seems like it’s against students at The New School, not against outside threats to students,” sophomore and Communication Design major, Morissey Montgomery said. “For people who don’t know what it’s really a response to, seeing increased security makes it seem like there’s some sort of threat or it’s unsafe.”
During the spring 2024 semester, students and faculty occupied the University Center (UC) with demands that the school divest from all companies funding Israel. However, in May, after the Board of Trustees failed to vote on divestment, demonstrators formed a “human blockade” in front of the UC that was intended to remain in place until a vote was held. Instead, the next morning, the New York Police Department was called, and 45 students were arrested on campus.
“Whatever was happening last [school] year wasn’t so bad that it needed police escalation and we don’t need an increase in security either,” said current sophomore and BAFA student Cassandra White. “I’m slightly more comfortable with the security rather than the police because the police were freaking me out. I didn’t go to class.”
While many returning students noticed the presence of extra security on campus, new students had no idea this was a change to The New School.
Nina Lopez, a freshman at Parsons said she feels that it can be necessary in specific places on campus.“Especially in the dorms, it makes me feel really safe that there’s a security guard.” Lopez said. Another New School freshman, Fernanda Habeica shared how the extra security has also helped her, “Since the security guards are outside [Kerry Hall] everything has been a little bit more chill,” she said. Habieca shared that in her experience since the new security had arrived, there had been significantly fewer incidents at her dorm in Kerry Hall.
The private security will only be on campus until the middle of this semester, according to security officers in front of Johnson/Kaplan Hall, however, students are divided on their feelings towards the increased security. “I personally prefer if they left”, said White.
On the other hand, some feel that their presence is necessary, “I think it’s safe to have [a guard] outside because a lot of things happen, especially like on 5th Avenue. I feel like it’s a very chaotic street.” said Lopez. Regardless, this is a short-term measure and the traditional New School security will continue to remain on campus.
In a statement, The New School said, “Providing a safe campus environment for our students, faculty, and staff is the university’s top priority, and we have engaged temporary personnel to provide public safety services through at least the middle of the semester.”