CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) and was established in 2019. It focuses on labor studies, urban studies, and public policy, aiming to educate and empower students to engage in social justice and community activism. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize the importance of labor movements and urban issues in shaping society. SLU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where students can develop critical thinking and leadership skills necessary for addressing contemporary challenges in urban settings.

Historically, the school builds upon the legacy of the Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies, which has been a part of CUNY since 1984. The institute has played a crucial role in providing education and training for workers and labor leaders, and the establishment of SLU represents a formalization of these efforts into a dedicated academic institution. The school aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in the fields of labor and urban studies, contributing to the development of informed and engaged citizens.