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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

Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.

Opinion: NYU easing the mask mandate is the right first step

NYU followed the lead of other New York City colleges by lifting masking restrictions, but they’re still staying unnecessarily cautious.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 31, 2022

What we all kind of expected to happen was officially announced via email from NYU Senior Leadership. NYU’s mask mandate was dropped — somewhat. Masking will still be mandatory...

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 with a coral background of a calendar opened to a page of the month of March. Under the month's name, it reads “Women’s History Month” in blue letters.

Opinion: NYU’s Women’s History Month isn’t enough

The university’s underwhelming commemoration of Women’s History Month underscores the necessity for more substantive yearlong efforts highlighting women’s achievements and struggles.
Valentina Plevisani, Contributing Writer March 29, 2022

I come from Latin America, where International Women's Day has become a big deal in recent years. It is a day for women of all backgrounds to rally against the patriarchy and protest...

An illustration of seven clocks against a pale yellow background. Each clock is set to a different time.

Editorial: Make daylight saving time permanent

The Sunshine Protection Act would bring a much-needed end to the biannual clock switching, placing us permanently on daylight saving time.
WSN Editorial Board March 28, 2022

Two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Called the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill would put an end to the changing...

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...

A group of protesters in Foley Square at the Civic Center. On the right, a black banner with the names of trans people of color painted in white. In the center behind a row of people is a banner with blue, white and pink details. On the right, a lady stands with a trans flag tied around her shoulders like a cape.

Opinion: It’s time to give trans people respect, agency and autonomy

Transphobic bills have continued to pass through state legislatures, but American democracy should be protecting transgender people, not oppressing them.
Aarna Dixit, Staff Writer March 23, 2022

On March 1, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state officials to start handling certain medical treatments as child abuse crimes. These medical treatments include gender-affirming...

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

Staff Rants: The doors vs. wheels debate

WSN staff offers up our thoughts on a timeless question: Are there more doors or wheels in this world? Enjoy!

On whether gated channel proteins count Listen, I don’t know anymore. I was so convinced it was wheels. I want it to be wheels. Think about a group study room or a lecture hall...

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: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources

The executive director of NYU Counseling and Wellness Services addresses suicide contagion, counseling wait times and in-person counseling availability in response to a recent WSN article about the history of suicide at NYU.
Zoe Ragouzeos, Executive Director of NYU Counseling and Wellness Services March 19, 2022

Dear Editor, We are writing regarding Alyssa Goldberg’s March 7, 2022, article “Bobst Library’s Enduring History of Suicide.” The article raises a number of important...

An illustration with a United States C.D.C.-issued Vaccination card in the background. In the foreground is a half-full syringe on the left and a bottle of vaccine on the right.

Opinion: Adams, take away the mask mandate but keep the vax

New York City has removed the mask mandate in public schools, but it is an irresponsible choice to have also gotten rid of proof of vaccination requirements.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 11, 2022

One of my classes starts around the time the elementary school day ends, so I find myself passing by excited children leaving school as I go past Grace Church School on my way...

The exterior of the Manhattan Detention Complex. A skyway bridge connects both sides of the brown building. On the ground below, cars are parked in parking spots marked with yellow lines on the right side, and a van with the New York Police Department logo and the text “NYCD Correction” on the back is parked on the left side.

Opinion: Anti-Asian hate crimes are not a reason to bolster policing

Asian American communities across the country are being targeted in anti-Asian hate crimes. While these communities deserve to feel safe, an increase in policing is not the answer.
Srishti Bungle, Opinion Editor March 10, 2022

Seven students were attacked on NYU’s campus between Feb. 2 and Feb. 25. At least three of the students assaulted were Asian. These blatantly targeted assaults are part of the...

A picture of multiple women at a rally walking on the sidewalk on their way to Washington Square Park, holding posters with an orange background. The posters say in black bold letters: “Abortion on Demand & Without Apology!”

Opinion: It’s now or never for reproductive justice

Recent abortion restrictions and bans threaten reproductive rights — especially with the challenging of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The way to protect reproductive justice lies in intersectionality.
Aarna Dixit, Staff Writer March 10, 2022

In May 2021, a Mississippi law to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy was proposed — two months earlier than allowed by Roe v. Wade’s decision.  On Sept. 1, 2021,...

A masked student sits in an NYU common room area. She is surrounded by tables, chairs and a foosball table.

Opinion: NYU, do not lift the mask mandate

Making masks optional is irresponsible and would put students at risk.
Caitlin Hsu, UTA Publishing Editor March 9, 2022

With NYU to consider lifting its mask mandate after spring break, they must take into account that lifting the mandate would endanger immunocompromised and disabled students and...