GAPE statement on developments at the New School for Social Research

The Greek Association of Political Economy expresses its deep concern over the recent developments at The New School for Social Research, and strongly condemns the dismissal of Professor Sanjay Reddy, an internationally recognised economist and a leading scholar in critical and heterodox political economy.

The New School has historically been a vital space for critical social inquiry, intellectual dissent, and pluralist economic thought. The dismissal of Professor Reddy, especially in the context of broader layoffs and restructuring, raises serious concerns about the erosion of tenure, academic freedom, faculty governance, and due process.

These concerns are heightened by the fact that Professor Reddy has been a public critic of the administration’s handling of the University’s financial situation. In the absence of transparent and convincing criteria for his dismissal, the decision creates the appearance of retaliation and risks producing a chilling effect on scholars, students, and staff who speak critically about institutional decisions.

Academic freedom is not a formal abstraction. It requires material and institutional protections that allow scholars to teach, research, criticise, and participate in university governance without fear of dismissal or intimidation. Any attempt to silence critical voices undermines the very purpose of the university.

As an association committed to the promotion of Political Economy, critical inquiry, and pluralist scholarship, we stand in solidarity with Professor Sanjay Reddy, with the Department of Economics at the New School for Social Research, and with all faculty and staff affected by the recent dismissals.

We call on the administration of The New School to reverse the dismissal of Professor Reddy, ensure full transparency regarding the restructuring process, respect tenure and faculty self-governance, and safeguard academic freedom and open democratic debate.

Financial difficulties cannot justify the destruction of the intellectual and democratic foundations of academic life. The New School must uphold its historical legacy as a home for critical social research and intellectual dissent.

Greek Association of Political Economy