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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

The photo is shot from behind a troupe of police in helmets surveying a group of protesters while the Washington Square Arch stands above them all.

Opinion: NYU’s hypocritical attitude toward student activism isn’t new

As much as the university frames itself as a progressive institution, it continues to regress into actions that undermine social and political activism.
Muhammad Siddiqui, Staff Writer September 25, 2024

Today marks the 54th anniversary of the Weinstein Hall sit-in. After NYU canceled LGBTQ+ university events until homosexuality was deemed “morally acceptable” by a panel of...

An illustration of a violet torch illuminating a student doing an N.Y.U. training module on their computer.

Opinion: NYU’s How We Engage Toolkit forces students to comply with its politics

The university’s new training module goes beyond superficiality by embedding problematic policies into a mandatory agreement.
Krish Dev, Director of Creative & Digital Strategy September 23, 2024

At the start of the semester, NYU sent out the first two modules of its How We Engage Toolkit, including a Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy Training, to all students...

A student with long hair wearing five different graduation caps stacked on top of one another. There is a purple graduation cap falling off the top and the student is reaching out to catch it.

Opinion: NYU needs to give transfer students a better shot

With no guaranteed housing, limited financial aid and a lack of community, many transfer students are left feeling blue instead of violet.
Alexandria Smith, Contributing Writer September 20, 2024

As I’ve settled into my first few weeks as a sophomore transfer student at NYU, I have started to reflect on the highs and lows of my time at the university so far. Though adapting...

(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)

Guest Essay: Club reimbursements render officers penniless and employees overworked

Sebastián A. Prats-Fernández is the co-president of the Puerto Rican Student Association.
Sebastián Prats-Fernández, Guest Contributor September 20, 2024

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. For many students, clubs...

An illustration of a line of students struggling to find their N.Y.U I.D.s. Separately, a student walks through easily using their phone.

Opinion: Can we please say goodbye to physical IDs at NYU?

The physical NYU ID is unsecure, burdensome and outdated. A mobile card is more logical, and would improve security measures.
Jack Sloan, Staff Writer September 12, 2024

Receiving a fresh purple ID on my first day at NYU felt like finally being crowned a Violet. Every moment since then, that flimsy piece of plastic has brought me and my peers substantial...

A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE W/ ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”

Opinion: NYU’s new code of conduct redefines political opposition as discrimination

The university’s updated student conduct policy weaponizes Title VI to stifle criticism of Israel by falsely equating critique of Zionism with antisemitism, a move NYU had claimed will not change existing policies.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor September 3, 2024

On Aug. 22, NYU emailed its student body, asking them to observe changes to its student conduct guidelines, specifically its Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy. Thinly...

An illustration of an older man with a mustache and glasses, wearing a light blue shirt and navy blazer. Behind him are antiques and face designs.

Opinion: Renaming the Steinhardt school is long overdue

It’s about time the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development changed its name.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor February 16, 2024

Michael Steinhardt, the namesake for the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, was found with $70 million worth of antiquities after a four-year investigation...

A neon purple L.E.D. sign saying “N.Y.U. TISCH” in a hallway that has white walls with several framed pieces hung on it.

Opinion: Drama students should be able to choose their preferred studio

Tisch should allow drama students the ability to rank their choices of studios during the application process.
Jack Sloan, Staff Writer February 15, 2024

The Tisch School of the Arts drama program boasts global recognition, but its structure, particularly its studio placement process, remains a subject of disagreement. As a friend...

An illustration of a black graduation cap with a purple tassel on top of three books in a pile. The books are blue, red and green and the pile is falling over. The background is purple with dollar bills scattered all around.

Opinion: Covering course fees is a necessary step toward affordability

If students are paying over $90,000 to attend the university, the least it can do is cover a few extra fees.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor February 8, 2024

My most anticipated class of the semester was my multimedia journalism class. As someone who is always writing for WSN, I was excited to delve into a different kind of journalistic...

A screen of the “N.Y.U. Connect for Students” page placed on a purple background.

Opinion: NYU advising needs to do better

The hit-or-miss reality of NYU’s advising system leaves students grappling with a lack of guidance, revealing a need for a more supportive approach.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 16, 2023

Despite my best efforts to connect with them, my CAS adviser has been a ghost throughout my undergraduate career. I have yet to see their face, speak to them over anything other...

A laptop displaying the webpage of “N.Y.U. Albert” course registration system.

Opinion: NYU’s course registration is outdated

The university’s system for course registration is counterintuitive — and in need of a long overdue update.
Katherine Welander, Deputy Copy Chief November 15, 2023

Every semester, course registration adds yet another item to students’ plates, at a time when they’re already struggling to finish up midterms and assignments. Even before...

People are kneeling and standing on blue carpeting, a few holding blue and white signs that read ‘U.A.W.’ There is a white banner behind them that reads ‘N.Y.U. Researchers United-UAW,’ and a sign held by a woman kneeling in the front that reads, ‘N.Y.U. Contract Faculty Stand in Solidarity!’

Opinion: NYU should recognize the researchers union

Researchers at NYU deserve more benefits and support from the university. The first step is recognition.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 3, 2023

Last Thursday, NYU Researchers United, the union representing postdoctoral researchers, graduate assistants and staff scientists at the university, asked NYU for recognition for...