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

Protesters walk down University Place holding a large sign that reads “NYU owes adjuncts.” A police officer on a moped directs traffic in front of the marching protesters.

Opinion: Adjuncts need better pay now, but NYU is dragging its feet

NYU should meet the proposals of the adjunct union, ACT-UAW Local 7902 — if not in support of worker's rights, then in the name of its students.
Valentina Plevisani, Staff Writer September 19, 2022

The current contract between NYU and the adjunct union ACT-UAW Local 7902 expires at midnight on Sept. 30. In negotiating the next four-year contract, the union is demanding better...

The logo of New York Universitys Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.

Opinion: NYU should drop its facade of Pacific Island inclusion

Despite housing the Asian/Pacific/American Institute and an associated major, NYU is failing to provide enough courses on Pacific Island Studies.
Derek Kamakanaaloha Soong, Identity & Equity Editor September 15, 2022

I realized my previous major, performance studies, at the Tisch School of the Arts was far too white for me, so this semester, I sought out an internal transfer into a major with...

A protester holding up a sign saying “NYU + Sabatini = Disgrace” in front of the NYU Langone Health Center. A black-and-white headshot of Sabatini is superimposed on the left.

Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. Reject Sabatini.

Hiring biologist David Sabatini would display a gross disregard for sexual assault survivors on the part of NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine.
WSN Editorial Board May 2, 2022

Content warning: This article mentions sexual harrassment and abuse. A history of sexual harassment. Pushed out of three institutions following allegations of sexual misconduct....

The marble facade of the building of the U.S. Supreme Court. The building has eight columns and marble stairs.

Opinion: Affirmative action is the best tool for increasing diversity

The Supreme Court will likely strike down affirmative action in October. But no alternative is as effective for increasing racial diversity at universities.
Matthew Franco, Contributing Writer April 28, 2022

Affirmative action is on trial. Its court date is set for October 2022, and the decision will be released sometime in 2023. Given the Supreme Court’s current composition —...

An illustration of a pink background with pink outlines in the shape of hearts, with a comma inside of a larger heart outline in the middle of the illustration.

Off-Third: Give the Oxford comma a break

One little mark is a helpful, clarifying, and necessary breath of fresh air. Stop getting rid of it. 
Matthew Franco, Contributing Writer April 21, 2022

I know, I’m late to the conversation. It's been years since debating the Oxford comma was quirky, edgy or indicative of genius-level IQ. But WSN gives me an outlet nonetheless,...

An illustration divided vertically into two sections. The left side shows two men and three women in suits against a gray background. The vertical right side has the words “NYU Publishing Panel Event” and “Learn More” against a purple background.

Opinion: NYU’s publishing program needs to diversify 

Representation matters in all avenues — including the professors and guest lecturers in the classroom.
Mika Chipana, Contributing Writer April 14, 2022

I am sure that all NYU students feel this way, but I honestly believe that I am in the best program offered by the university. NYU’s Masters in Publishing program lets us learn...

An illustration of an NYU transcript with a W grade for one course.

Opinion: For students’ health, a W grade on a transcript should be expungeable

The rigidity of the withdrawal policy may push students to prioritize grades over health.
Sophie Moller, Contributing Writer April 13, 2022

If a student withdraws from a course after the add/drop period, a W will appear on their transcript. According to guidelines from the NYU Division of Student Affairs, students...

The exterior façade of a college building with golden doors and clear decorated windows as the sun shines on half of the building and people walk on the sidewalk.

Opinion: NYU CAS shouldn’t require a foreign language

Forcing students to take four semesters of one language eliminates other avenues of educational exploration and wastes students’ resources.
Matthew Franco, Contributing Writer April 12, 2022

I honestly couldn't tell you what I learned in my Spanish classes. I can remember “me llamo,” “porque” and a couple of funny curse words. I can remember all the skulls...

The facade of the City of New York graduate building, as seen from the corner diagonally across the street. On the left side of the building, a row of nine flags hangs above the entrance.

Opinion: New York, invest in CUNY

As New York state lawmakers finalize budgeting for the 2023 fiscal year, we must urge them to increase support for the City University of New York system.
Srishti Bungle, Opinion Editor March 30, 2022

The City University of New York public university system desperately needs more funding. It currently offers an amazing education — whether it be through their four-year bachelor’s...

An illustration of a sports podium with a generic college building on the first place spot.

Opinion: From a student who used to worship them, college rankings are worthless

The recent allegations that Columbia University exaggerated statistics to improve its US News & World Report ranking demonstrate that it’s past time to retire the false prestige of college rankings.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 23, 2022

Leading up to my senior year of high school, my party trick was reciting the top 50 schools in US News & World Report’s rankings from memory. It’s embarrassing to admit...

Ties with the United Arab Emirates hamper freedom of academic expression at NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Opinion: NYU must take a stand for academic freedom abroad

Multiple NYU study-away sites have been forced into academic censorship. Enough is enough.
Zach Banks, Staff Writer February 14, 2022

Our university’s torch logo should symbolize academic freedom and justice. Instead, it has come to stand for unfettered capitalism — selling out academic freedom to pad an...

To reduce the schools carbon footprint, NYU should go paperless by default. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Opinion: NYU should go paperless

The return of in-person classes has brought the return of printed syllabi. NYU should take action to go paperless.
Alexandra Cohen, Staff Writer January 31, 2022

As my class ended, I went to throw away my freshly printed syllabus in front of my professor. I didn’t want to be disrespectful — I just knew that I could access the syllabus...