Skip to Main Content
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 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...

A child wearing a green dress and shoes with a purple backpack is walking next to a red brick wall on a brown floor while a hand with pink nails holds a gray cell phone camera that records the child's walk. On the cell phone is a distorted and glitchy image of the child walking. The text "Like, Comment, Subscribe'' appears chalked on the top right corner of the wall.

Opinion: Adults must prioritize the well-being and safety of children over social media’s profitability

The rise of social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok has resulted in the exploitation of children. Parents, companies, schools and the government must act to protect children from this detrimental exposure to the internet.
Sunny Sequeira, Staff Writer April 11, 2022

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of child exploitation and abuse.  Children are an extremely vulnerable population. Easily impressionable and the targets...

A crowd of people stand and walk around a park surrounded by city buildings and an arch monument under a clear blue sky.

Editorial: The NY Post is lying to you about homelessness around NYU

The right-wing media wants you to hate unhoused people. Don’t let them egg you on.
WSN Editorial Board April 11, 2022

Infamous right-wing media outlets baselessly demonized unhoused people following a March 28 egging incident on NYU’s campus. The culprit was never identified, but these rags...

An illustration of a woman at Washington Square Park wearing a purple cardigan and looking towards the left-hand side. Behind her, the Washington Square Arch is visible, as well as a man playing a piano.

Off-Third: The case against AirPods

This is the story of a student — a student who missed all of the wonders of the city, simply because they didn’t leave their AirPods case at home.
Blake Salesin, Contributing Writer April 7, 2022

On March 29, 2022, at 4:29 p.m., an unnamed NYU first-year retraced their daily path to Silver Center through Washington Square Park, AirPods in ears. As they hurriedly weaved...

On an easel, a poster with a dark purple background reads in pink font: “Donate up to 3 meal swipes per day at the following dining halls.” Below in white font, one under the other, it reads: “Downstein, Jasper Kane Cafe, Kosher Eatery, Marketplace at Kimmel, NYU Eats at Lipton, Peet’s Coffee, Palladium, NYU Eats at Third North.” Next to the easel the door of Kimmel Marketplace is open and a dining hall worker is seen in the back.

Opinion: NYU’s Swipe it Forward meal donation program could be great

The meal swipe donation program aims to combat food insecurity in our community, but its inconsistency and confusing logistics are hindering its potential.
Holly Kase, Contributing Writer April 7, 2022

We live in an expensive city, which means eating doesn’t come cheap. A 2019 NYU study surveyed 257 NYU students and found that 41% were experiencing food insecurity. That’s...

The atrium of Bobst Library as seen from its lobby. Visitors walk in and out of the building.

Opinion: Bobst Library is falling apart

Bobst is an iconic library, but it needs to be modernized so that it looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
Hannah Kim, Contributing Writer April 6, 2022

With springtime comes throngs of bright-eyed, turquoise-nametag-wearing high schoolers who can be seen sauntering around NYU’s campus. They’ll make stops at the Kimmel Center...

https://nyunews.com/opinion/2022/04/05/insomnia-cookies-gerrymandering-nyu-dorms/

Off-Third: Stop gerrymandering, Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies’ delivery map is out of control. We need to establish order… for our dessert orders.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor April 5, 2022

Gerrymandering is a hot topic right now as states conduct redistricting exercises to correspond with the 2020 U.S. census. The fight to protect voting rights is crucial and deserves...

A group of protesters march through Chinatown. In the middle of the frame, one protester holds a cardboard sign with the words “Stop Asian Hate Crime” painted in thick black letters.

Opinion: Student gov’t statement supporting minority students falls flat, again

The Student Government Assembly's statement in support of NYU's Asian American and Pacific Islander population is a performative extension of support that lacks real action.
Jack Li, Contributing Writer April 4, 2022

On March 12, NYU’s Student Government released a statement in support of the university’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community and offered recommendations for addressing...

An illustration of a megaphone with a red handle. Written in orange on the megaphone are the words “Staff Rants.”

Staff Rants: NYU’s new masking requirements

Our staff shares their thoughts on NYU’s updated masking requirements.

On the case for old rules:  Srishti Bungle, Opinion Editor I think it’s a bad idea to go easy on the masks right now. The new BA.2 variant of omicron is already responsible...

An illustration of the nine Northern California counties that make up the Bay Area, each in a different color. To the left, the word “California” is above the words “Bay Area,” which are crossed out in red.

Off-Third: Bay Area students are wasting our time

It’s time to stand up against the drawn-out responses to “where are you from?” of our Bay Area peers.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor April 1, 2022

NYU is a global institution, which means students hail from one of three places: Los Angeles, New Jersey and the Bay Area. Upon meeting someone, you’ll typically ask their name,...

An illustration of a purple computer and a green background. On the top left of the computer screen, in purple text, are the words “NYU Albert.” At center, the words “New and Improved Course Search,” and under this, “but this time it’s only core classes.” Under this centered title, there is a green button with white text reading “Search.”

Off-Third: Keep the core classes, get rid of majors

NYU needs to champion the well-rounded individual. The best way to do that is by getting rid of majors entirely.
Jules Roscoe, Deputy Opinion Editor March 31, 2022

Core requirements have always mystified students. Why do we have so many? How do professors come up with these topics? From a Texts & Ideas course on doubling in French literature...