Canisius University faculty and students hit the picket line to protest budget cuts

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Faculty and students at Canisius University hit the picket line Friday to protest the school’s announced plan to cut $15 million from its 2025 operating budget.

Faculty members at the protest told 7 News they’ve faced benefit cuts and haven’t received a cost-of-living raise in a decade. They fear the impact of further cuts at the school, which has around 2,500 pupils.

“We would like Canisius to open the books so that we can work together and try to find some solutions to the budget difficulties at the university,” said Tayna Loughead, professor of philosophy and president of the American Association of University Professors at Canisius. . “This is a matter of prioritizing what matters at the university, and we should prioritize education.”

“What good is cutting a budget by an arbitrary amount if you destroy the soul of an institution?” said Mick Cochrand, Canisius English teacher.

In response, Canisius University released a statement to 7 News that said in part, “This organization has no official status or role in the governing structure of Canisius University and does not represent Canisius faculty,” adding, “Canisius University remains steadfast in its commitment or. to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with our faculty through established governance mechanisms as we work together in shared dedication to our mission.”

Many private colleges are facing an uphill battle financially, and Canisius is no exception, with an estimated shortfall of about $7 million.

University President Steve Stoute spoke with 7 News Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley earlier this month about how the school plans to take a holistic approach to tackling the shortage head-on.

“We didn’t wait until things were dire,” Stoute said. “We are proactive. We see the trends. We understand the data and make the difficult decisions that must be made to secure the future of this institution for the next 154 years.”