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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

Education

(Tony Wu for WSN)

Opinion: NYU cares more about image than free speech

The university’s speedy response to restoring a Federalist Society panel shows that moral consistency takes a back seat to public relations.
Annika Wilewicz, Deputy Opinion Editor October 10, 2025

This week, NYU’s chapter of the Federalist Society hosted its newly reinstated panel featuring Ilya Shapiro, a conservative author who drew scrutiny when his tweets calling Palestinians...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Opinion: Mamdani is right to scrap NYC’s gifted program

Our city should look into more suitable alternatives that can offer top notch education for all students — not just those deemed "gifted."
Maggie Turner, Opinion Editor October 8, 2025

Growing up as a student in a Delaware gifted program, I was provided with a rewarding and engaging curriculum that challenged me in the classroom. This accelerated learning experience...

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Editorial: Students deserve clarity from NYU leadership

Administrators’ memo about the government shutdown marked a rare moment of transparency, but more is required to support a civically engaged student body.
WSN Editorial Board October 3, 2025

On Monday, two days before the federal government halted for the first time in six years, NYU administrators sent a universitywide email briefing students and faculty on...

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Opinion: NYU uses renovations to suppress student speech

The university’s vague construction projects across public areas are an excuse to push out on-campus protest.
Grace Penny, Contributing Writer September 30, 2025

On April 22, 2024, students set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on Gould Plaza in protest of NYU’s ties to Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. Protestors demanded the university...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: NYU is falling behind on free speech

Over 100 universities have already codified robust free speech protections — it’s time for NYU to do the same.
Serin Lee, Deputy Opinion Editor September 23, 2025

NYU once again received an ‘F’ grade on an annual list evaluating free speech policies across U.S. universities. The ranking, facilitated by watchdog organization Foundation...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Off Topic: We can’t afford to prioritize AI in early education

The rise of private, artificial intelligence-powered schools pose a threat to the next generation of students and the development of their critical thinking skills.
Maggie Turner, Opinion Editor September 8, 2025

Stanford graduate MacKenzie Price founded the “AI-powered” Alpha School for her own children in 2014, bent on the idea that “education needed a revolution.” At the institution,...

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Editorial: Linda Mills, where are you?

Our university president stands at a precipice, where she can choose to either complicitly facilitate repression or loudly stand up for NYU’s values.
WSN Editorial Board May 5, 2025

It has been over one year since President Linda Mills authorized the sweeps of two Gaza Solidarity Encampments on campus. In the aftermath, students, faculty, parents and alumni...

(Jane El Khoury for WSN)

Opinion: This finals week, don’t put studying before mental health

While people brag about how little sleep they got last night while studying for finals, embrace sustainable studying strategies to stay productive.
Shanay Tolat, Deputy Opinion Editor May 1, 2025

As we edge towards finals, the competition to get a table and save a seat for your friends in Bobst Library is heating up, with our academic pursuit taking on a frantic intensity...

(Kyra Reilley for WSN)

Opinion: Gen Z is abusing therapy speak

The rise of therapy jargon in everyday language is leading our generation to focus too much on ourselves.
Sam Kats, Staff Writer April 28, 2025

In 2025, mental health has become an industry of its own, flooding social media feeds and everyday conversations, and while this new normalization has had positive effects, it...

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Opinion: The United States has a literacy problem

In recent years, Americans have suffered from a decrease in literacy — and there are no signs of improvement.
Leila Olukoga, Deputy Opinion Editor April 24, 2025

Literacy rates throughout the country have been on the decline in recent years, with many fearing for the state of U.S. education for generations to come. Between 2017 and 2023,...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Guest Essay: We, a small group of LS faculty, call on Mills to resign

Some Liberal Studies faculty members share their concern about President Linda Mills’ leadership and the dean of Liberal Studies’ leave from NYU.

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. Many of us watch...

(Courtesy of Emma Bell)

Guest Essay: Emma Bell for SGA chair

Dymond Walker is a senior at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Dymond Walker, Guest Contributor April 17, 2025

In the past few months, sweeping changes have been made across U.S. college campuses. Now more than ever, students don’t feel supported or valued at the schools they attend....