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

Crime

The False Promise of Closing Rikers Island

The False Promise of Closing Rikers Island

The city’s so-called proposal to close the jail and build four new ones only guarantees the creation of the newer jails. Rikers’ closure, set for 2026, is not guaranteed to happen.
Asha Ramachandran, Contributing Writer October 27, 2019

The New York City Council overwhelmingly voted earlier this month to close the notorious Rikers Island jail complex. The $8 billion resolution will replace Rikers by building,...

DNA Collection Program Demonizes Migrants

DNA Collection Program Demonizes Migrants

Americans must recognize that the new U.S. immigration policy of DNA collection is a racist step toward genetic mass surveillance.
Jun Sung, Deputy Opinion Editor October 7, 2019

Soon, U.S. immigration officials will be allowed to start collecting DNA samples of detained migrants. Supporters of this argue that the program is necessary to find people posing...

What the Puerto Rican Government Owes Its Women

What the Puerto Rican Government Owes Its Women

Puerto Rican women are being attacked. Despite protests, the government has only just begun to tackle the problem — but it may not be enough.
Sofia Martinez Rivera, Staff Writer October 4, 2019

A video began circulating Twitter last week and further inflamed an already-heated discussion regarding the lack of protection for victims of domestic violence in Puerto Rico....

The Supreme Court Is Facing a Legitimacy Crisis

The Supreme Court Is Facing a Legitimacy Crisis

Sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have recently resurfacedand the Supreme Court is certainly heading toward a crisis in public confidence. The question is, will it be able to recover?
Emily Dai, Contributing Writer September 30, 2019

Almost exactly one year ago, the American public watched Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s gripping account of a sexual assault perpetrated by then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh...

South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Needs Our Attention

South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Needs Our Attention

South African women have something to say. It’s time we listened to them.
Neil Dittrich, Contributing Writer September 15, 2019

This past week, my social media feed has been ablaze with friends and family voicing their outrage about the escalation of gender-based violence back home in South Africa. The...

Broken Windows, Broken Policy

Broken Windows, Broken Policy

In light of the growing tensions between civilians and police, the NYPD Slowdown reveals something transformative about the future of policing and security.
Cole Stallone, Opinion Editor September 6, 2019

In response to the firing of NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo — the man who killed Eric Garner — Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch declared that “the NYPD will...

The Miseducation of Business

The Miseducation of Business

NYU Stern alum Bill Tsai’s insider trading charge reveals the fundamental flaw of business school.
Cole Stallone, Opinion Editor August 22, 2019

Bill Tsai, former Stern Student Council President, was charged by the SEC on Aug. 12 with insider trading. They allege he gained nearly $100,000 from the sale of stocks he purchased...

Some Justice, No Peace

Some Justice, No Peace

A rare moment of justice for Laquan McDonald offers little hope in the face of long-term police violence.
Mickey Desruisseaux, Columnist October 15, 2018
On P(optics) this week, Mickey contemplates how police officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second degree murder for the death of Laquan McDonald. Unlike previous instances of police brutality, Van Dyke is being held accountable, but an emptiness overwhelms Mickey. What will happen from here?
Bill Cosby as a Lesson on Accountability for NYU

Bill Cosby as a Lesson on Accountability for NYU

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor August 26, 2018
The length of time it took for NYU to revoke Bill Cosby's honorary degree is indicative of a larger trend of questionable treatment toward assaulters.