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Parsons School of Design Lays Off One-Third of Adjunct Faculty in 2009

institutional · 2026-04-22

Parsons School of Design terminated approximately one-third of its adjunct faculty in 2009, affecting numerous part-time instructors. The dismissals occurred at the New York City institution, which is part of The New School. This significant reduction in teaching staff represented a major workforce restructuring at the prestigious art and design school. The term "non-rehired" was reportedly used to describe the employment status changes for these educators. The layoffs impacted a substantial portion of the school's instructional workforce during that academic year. The event highlighted employment practices within higher education art institutions during economic challenges. Parsons maintained operations while implementing these staffing reductions across its programs.

Key facts

  • Parsons School of Design laid off approximately one-third of adjunct faculty
  • The layoffs occurred in 2009
  • The institution is located in New York City
  • Parsons is part of The New School
  • The term "non-rehired" was used to describe the employment status changes
  • The layoffs affected part-time instructors
  • The reduction represented a significant workforce restructuring
  • The event was reported by artcritical.com

Entities

Institutions

  • Parsons School of Design
  • The New School
  • artcritical.com

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States

Sources