William Paterson Budget Deficit & Layoff Protests

BNR Feature News Team in front of the Shea Center after the protests.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put William Paterson University in a $30 million deficit due to lowered student enrollment. To aid in lessening the financial burden, it was decided after negotiations between the American Federation of Teachers - William Paterson’s teacher’s union - and the board of trustees, that 100 faculty and staff would be laid off over a three-year period. The mass layoffs have caused outrage within the student body and a protest was held on Tuesday, November 16 where students aired their grievances surrounding the situation. On Friday, November 19, the AFT held a rally for the faculty and staff before a meeting took place between the union and the board of trustees. Brave New Radio’s Feature News Team was at both the protest and the rally conducting interviews and getting more information surrounding the situation.