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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

Opinion

An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.

Letter to the Editor: 94 LS faculty members approve statement to WSN

A letter concerning a WSN guest essay published on April 23.

To the Editor, A total of 94 Liberal Studies faculty members have voted, by secret ballot, to approve the following statement: “We wish to state categorically that we had...

(Courtesy of Gage Skidmore)

Off Topic: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s autism solution is worse than the problem

The health secretary’s proposed autism study is unrealistic, prejudiced and sets dangerous precedents for federal data collection and compilation.
Noah Zaldivar, Opinion Editor April 25, 2025

As part of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposed plan to find the cause of autism, the National Institutes of Health has announced its plan to collect troves of...

(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...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Editorial: Why NYU should, but probably won’t, follow Harvard

Unlike other universities responding to the escalating attacks on higher education, NYU has chosen quiet compliance that likely won’t offer real protections.
WSN Editorial Board April 23, 2025

This past week, Harvard University took many by surprise in a rare moment of institutional integrity. In light of the Trump administration’s demands to silence student protests,...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: New York doesn’t want hyper-progressive politicians like Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani’s platform may appeal to progressive ideals, but its real-world impact could harm the very people it is meant to help.
Becky Flanagan, Contributing Writer April 22, 2025

A recent WSN op-ed praised Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani as “the progressive leader New York City needs,” arguing that the city’s Democratic leaders have abandoned their...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: Zohran Mamdani is the progressive leader New York needs

For everyday New Yorkers struggling with high costs of living, Zohran Mamdani’s commitment to progressive and democratic values make him the right choice for mayor.
Serin Lee, Staff Writer April 18, 2025

As the 2025 New York City’s 2025 mayoral elections come closer, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is the leading Democratic candidate, with 34% of voters saying he was their top choice....

(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....

(Camila Ceballos for WSN)

Opinion: Trump’s attack on New York climate laws will have long-term ramifications

President Donald Trump’s new executive order threatens to dismantle local climate laws, inhibit environmental justice and shift the cost of climate change back onto everyday Americans.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer April 17, 2025

I remember watching Gov. Kathy Hochul sign the Climate Change Superfund Act into law in January last year. This was the moment that gave New Yorkers a chance to hold Big Oil accountable...

(Iris Bell for WSN)

Opinion: Gen Z activism is performative, not productive

Gen Z is known for their advocacy — but when you look beyond the clicks, likes and posts, there is not much left.
Leila Olukoga, Deputy Opinion Editor April 17, 2025

For years, Generation Z has touted itself as unprecedentedly socially conscious and politically outspoken, with many young people having mastered the language of social justice...

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Off-Third: Mills to star in Broadway bio-musical, tickets start at $1099

Move aside Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington: A new celebrity star is making her mark on the New York stage with “Linda! The Untold Story of NYU’s Diva.”
Ethan Li, Deputy Copy Chief April 16, 2025

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. In a startling announcement, NYU President Linda Mills will star in a new biographical musical titled “Linda! The Untold Story of NYU’s...

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Matt Petres for WSN)

Off Topic: Trump’s war on the arts

The current administration’s new executive order to limit the exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution mirrors actions of past authoritarian leaders.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor April 16, 2025

On March 27, President Donald Trump signed yet another executive order with a deceptively benign title: “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” What this order actually...