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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Identity & Equity

(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)

Why are there huge inflatable rats in NYC?

Named “Scabby” by protesters, the rat represents a decades-long hunger for labor justice in the city and beyond.
Paige Ablon, Contributing Writer April 23, 2025

If you’ve walked on Prince Street or strolled down Fifth Avenue recently, you may have come across a giant inflatable rat. With bloodshot red eyes, claws stretched outwards and...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

4 LGBTQ+ organizations to join outside of NYU

Amid an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ federal policy, these organizations provide much-needed support to local communities.
Dylan Henschen, Staff Writer April 18, 2025

It’s a running joke that LGBTQ+ students outnumber straight students at NYU. While it may be a joke, it's hard not to believe it — especially since NYU has eight student-run...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

‘A vile complicity’: Members of the Rwandan community recount 1994 genocide

Through powerful testimonies, NYU’s first Kwibuka memorialized the 31st anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Julia Kim, Deputy Culture Editor April 17, 2025

Content warning: This article contains mentions of violence and sexual harassment.  Over 60 NYU community members and New York City residents gathered for the university’s...

(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)

Where did all the gays go?

Over the past 50 years, the gay bar — facing rising rent prices and evolving expectations of queer nightlife — has dramatically changed.
Dylan Henschen, Staff Writer April 10, 2025

Strobe lights flashing on the dance floor, heavy pours of liquor gushing from glass to glass and the aroma of poppers wafting through a sea of men. It’s far from a typical night...

(Kyra Reilley for WSN)

How millennial cafes are fueling NYC gentrification

Aesthetic coffee shops all over New York City are both a product of changing generational preferences and a driver of gentrification.
George Piper, Contributing Writer April 10, 2025

Any New Yorker who has explored the city’s plethora of coffee shops has undoubtedly encountered a pattern of homogenization. Many cafes that follow the formula of a single brick...

(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)

As Bobst prayer room is vandalized, Muslim students gather to celebrate Eid

Eleven Muslim student organizations at NYU hosted the second annual Eid Fest last Thursday, bringing together Muslim students and community members.
Mariana Arboleda, Staff Writer April 9, 2025

NYU’s second annual Eid Fest, the student-run celebration of Eid al-Fitr, drew hundreds of students to the Kimmel Center for University Life on Thursday. Hosted by Muslim student...

The main reading room in the Jefferson Market Library (Isabel Albors for WSN)

The forgotten history of the Women’s House of Detention

The prison, which has since been replaced by the Jefferson Market Library, incarcerated LGBTQ+ people for nearly 40 years.
Pritheva Zakaria, Staff Writer April 8, 2025

(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)

What’s happening to St. Marks?

St. Marks Place has long been a storied hub of countercultural movements, but economic pressures are pushing the street in new directions.
Mia Shou, Staff Writer April 3, 2025

Although it is physically separated from Washington Square Park, St. Marks Place is often seen as NYU’s unofficial haven for food, culture and of course, nightlife. At the same...

Eli Lane performs his monologue as the character Zak in the play “The Ball.” (Ivy Chan for WSN)

At the Fresh Fruit Festival, NYU students bring gay to the stage

Presented by All Out Arts, the festival’s 2025 10-Minute Play Contest featured student directors and actors.
Dylan Henschen, Staff Writer April 2, 2025

Broadway has its fair share of LGBTQ+ representation — think musicals like “& Juliet” and plays like “Oh, Mary!” — but at the Fresh Fruit Festival, there is an...

(Lisa Zhu for WSN)

These Japanese teahouses near NYU stay true to matcha traditions

Ditch your trendy strawberry matcha latte for a slow-paced matcha dining experience.
Kyra Mehta, Contributing Writer March 20, 2025

Walking down West Fourth Street, you’ll find many students running to class, calling friends and responding to emails — all with a matcha latte in their hand. Like coffee and...

(Srividhya Chandramouleeswaran for WSN)

What I didn’t say in my Common App essay

As college commitment season approaches, a reflection upon my academic journey reveals new insights into the value of acknowledging self-doubt and rewriting expectations.
Mia Shou, Staff Writer March 14, 2025

As weird as it sounds, I’m starting to think I was accepted into NYU on the basis of mediocrity.  And by mediocrity, I mean how I wanted to go into a humanities field in...

(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)

The NYU student bringing Rajasthani fashion to New York City

LS sophomore Vedanshi Jain runs her clothing brand, Asahi Jaipur, with her mother.
Roshan Rao and Sara Sharma March 12, 2025

Vedanshi Jain doesn’t believe she has the gene for fashion. Looking at her Instagram account, you’d never be able to tell — Jain, an LS sophomore who will transfer into the...