The New School’s student senate voted to cut funding for its Hillel chapter, but the university administration later rejected the vote, keeping the organization funded.
The New School’s student senate voted on May 2, 2026, to withdraw funding from the university’s Hillel chapter, citing alleged connections to international-law violations. The university administration formally rejected the vote later that month, maintaining financial support for the organization.
The New School, a private university in New York City’s Greenwich Village, saw its student government pass a resolution on May 2, 2026, to cut all university funding for the campus Hillel chapter and to sever official ties with the organization [1][3]. The resolution referenced allegations that Hillel had links to entities accused of violating international law. The university’s administration announced on a Saturday in May that it would not recognize the student-senate vote, stating the action was unauthorized and that Hillel would continue to receive its existing budget [2][4]. The controversy re-emerged in media reports on July 24, 2026, as Hillel leaders expressed concern that the episode could set a precedent for other campus religious groups [1].
The vote involved the New School’s student government, which represents the undergraduate and graduate student body, and was opposed by the university’s senior administration, including the Office of the President [2][4]. Hillel leadership, headed by incoming president Miri Leibman, publicly responded to the vote and the administration’s reversal, emphasizing the organization’s role as the largest Jewish student group on campus [1]. Student activists on both sides of the issue participated in protests and public statements, with some groups organizing demonstrations in support of Hillel and others advocating for the defunding resolution [2][4].
Student Government Vote and Administration Response
The student senate’s May 2 vote passed with a majority of members supporting the resolution to end university funding for Hillel and to discontinue any formal affiliation [1][3]. The resolution’s language cited “alleged ties to organizations that violate international law,” though no specific evidence was presented in the public record [3]. Following the vote, the student government announced plans to reallocate the Hillel budget to other student-led initiatives, pending university approval [1].
Within weeks, the New School’s administration issued a statement rejecting the student senate’s action, describing it as “unauthorized” and asserting that the university’s budgetary processes require approval from the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees [2][4]. The administration confirmed that Hillel would retain its existing funding for the 2026-27 academic year and that any future changes to the budget would follow standard procedural channels [2]. No formal disciplinary action was taken against individual student senators, and the university called for a “constructive dialogue” among all campus stakeholders [4].
Hillel leadership, headed by incoming president Miri Leibman, publicly responded to the vote and the administration’s reversal, emphasizing the organization’s role as the largest Jewish student group on campus [1].
Reactions from Hillel Leadership and Campus Community
New School Student Government Vote to Defund Campus Hillel Rejected by Administration
Miri Leibman, the incoming president of the New School Hillel chapter, told NY1 that the organization provides weekly programming, religious services, and community support to a diverse student population, and that the attempted defunding threatened the continuity of those services [1]. Leibman described the administration’s reversal as “a relief for our community” and warned that the vote could inspire similar actions at other universities if left unchecked [1]. Hillel staff also released a written statement reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to inclusive programming and its compliance with university policies [1].
Student activists supporting the vote organized rallies outside the university’s administration building, citing broader concerns about campus ties to organizations implicated in international conflicts [2][4]. Conversely, a coalition of Jewish student groups, faculty members, and civil-rights organizations held a counter-protest, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious freedom and the role of Hillel in fostering cultural dialogue [2]. Both sides utilized social media platforms and campus email lists to mobilize participants and to disseminate position statements [4].
Implications for Campus Jewish Life
The episode has immediate implications for Jewish students at the New School, who rely on Hillel for religious services, cultural events, and social networking [1]. Continuation of funding ensures that the chapter can maintain its scheduled programming for the remainder of the academic year, including holiday observances, educational workshops, and community-service projects [1]. The administration’s decision also signals that university-wide budgetary authority rests with central leadership rather than student-government bodies, potentially limiting future attempts to alter funding for recognized student organizations [2][4].
The public nature of the dispute may influence how other universities address funding for religious or cultural groups, especially amid heightened scrutiny of campus affiliations with external organizations [3]. For current and prospective students, the outcome clarifies that the New School will continue to support Hillel, preserving an established avenue for Jewish campus life. The incident also underscores the importance of procedural compliance in student-government actions, as the administration highlighted the need for formal approval processes before budgetary changes can be enacted [2][4].
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What: New School student senate voted to defund campus Hillel; university administration rejected the vote.
Implications for Campus Jewish Life The episode has immediate implications for Jewish students at the New School, who rely on Hillel for religious services, cultural events, and social networking [1].
When: Vote on May 2, 2026; administration’s rejection announced in May 2026; renewed reporting on July 24, 2026.
Impact: Hillel retains funding, preserving services for Jewish students; clarifies budgetary authority at the university.
Sources
New School Hillel leaders fear funding cut could start trend – NY1
NYC’s New School rejects student senate’s vote to defund and cut ties with Hillel – Times of Israel
New School strips funding for Hillel chapter, alleging ties to international-law violations – New York Post
New School rejects student government vote to cut ties, defund Hillel – Jewish Insider
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