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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 NYU student is logged on to the school's online learning platform, Brightspace. Brightspace is the central location for course work when students transition to a remote learning environment. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Editorial: NYU should mandate a remote learning option

NYU’s “flexible” plan for in-person learning is flexible in name only. The university should require professors to offer options for remote learning.
WSN Editorial Board January 24, 2022

Earlier this month, omicron positivity rates in New York City hit 500% of last winter’s peak despite wider vaccine availability, higher vaccination rates and mask compliance....

Despite the surge in cases of the omicron variant, NYU announced that classes will be held in-person. However, the omicron variant can be fatal for disabled and immunocompromised students, whose health and safety continue to be overlooked. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU’s reopening is ableist

NYU’s decision to start the spring semester with in-person instruction demonstrates a gross disregard for its most vulnerable students.
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor January 17, 2022

NYU’s recent announcement that the university will hold in-person instruction during the spring 2022 semester included a revealing concession. “To be clear, in all likelihood,...

One year ago today, domestic terrorists in support of former President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Staff Photo by Ryan Walker)

Opinion: The Jan. 6 insurrection, one year later

In order to ensure the health and safety of U.S. democracy, the Senate must censure or expel Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley.
Kevin Kurian, Opinion Editor January 6, 2022

A year ago today, right-wing rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to silence 81 million people who voted against former President Donald Trump. They came bearing firearms...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: Defending WSN’s coverage of the ELI

A response to NYU spokesperson John Beckman's inaccurate Letter to the Editor criticizing WSN's coverage of the ELI.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor December 15, 2021

The university’s response (Dec. 14, “Letter to the Editor: WSN's coverage of the ELI is erroneous”) to WSN’s reporting on the English Language Institute raises concerns...

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: WSN’s coverage of the ELI is erroneous

A letter to the editor in response to "NYU cuts English program that served international students, fires staff" and "Opinion: The racist, anti-worker closure of NYU’s English Language Institute" from NYU spokesperson John Beckman.
John Beckman, NYU spokesperson December 14, 2021

Both the recent article and the recent op-ed piece about the English Language Institute were so woefully off-base and erroneous that they require a response to set the record straight. The...

NYU needs to cut ties with Michael Steinhardt and rename the school that bears his name.

Opinion: NYU should sever all ties with Michael Steinhardt 

The board of trustees must change the name of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development given Steinhardt’s proven record as a looter and sexual predator.
Asha Ramachandran, Opinion Editor December 10, 2021

Michael Steinhardt, billionaire, hedge fund manager and the namesake of the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, was forced to surrender $70 million...

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: ‘Steinhardt student governments call for school to be renamed’

A letter concerning Michael Steinhardt from faculty of the department of Media, Culture, and Communication.

We, the undersigned faculty of the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication write in deep concern over the widely disseminated report from the Manhattan District Attorney...

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

Staff Rants: The end of the semester

From existential questions to never-ending homework, our staff has a lot to say in the last Staff Rants of the semester.

On leaving Ashley Wu — Editor-in-Chief I didn't know I'd be graduating this semester. It came as a bit of a surprise. After scheduling a meeting with my counselor,...

On Tuesday, Nov. 30, a school shooter shot 11 people at Oxford High School in Michigan. In light of this, it is important to reject attempts to blame bullying for mass murders. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: Stop blaming school shootings on bullying

In light of the tragic school shooting in Michigan, it is important to reject attempts to link bullying to mass murder.
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor December 8, 2021

A 15-year-old sophomore school shooter committed a senseless act of violence at Oxford High School on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Eleven people were shot, three students died from their...

(Photo by Mark-Ameen Johnson)

Opinion: The racist, anti-worker closure of NYU’s English Language Institute

By closing the English Language Institute at the School of Professional Studies, NYU administration is harming workers, international students and non-English speakers. The decision is emblematic of NYU’s callous policies.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor December 7, 2021

The effective closure of the NYU School of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute and its programs, announced to staff in October and reported by WSN on Monday, is...

Sunrise Movement NYU urged the NYU board of trustees to improve transparency and democracy, as well as divest from fossil fuels. For the 1,200 students who have signed a petition created by Sunrise NYU, democracy within the NYU board of trustees and community is imperative. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Letter to the Editor: Divestment, democracy and the board of trustees

The board of trustees is an unaccountable group with overwhelming power. We need to democratize NYU to ensure transparency, accountability and a prosperous future for its students. A response to ​​”Hamilton discusses NYU dorm intruder response, denies private prison investment,” Nov. 18.
Paige Anderson, Contributing Writer December 7, 2021

Sunrise Movement NYU launched its Divest NYU campaign this fall, the third push for divestment from fossil fuels at NYU. While each push differed in strategy and specific demands,...

NYU has announced that all need-based financial aid will be fulfilled for the class of 2025. This new policy needs to be extended to all current students. (Photo by Camila Ceballos)

Editorial: NYU should meet 100% demonstrated need for all current students

WSN previously reported that NYU would be meeting the demonstrated financial need of every student in the class of 2025. The new policy should be extended to all current NYU students, not just the students of the future.
WSN Editorial Board December 6, 2021

NYU recently implemented a new financial aid policy for the class of 2025 that intends to meet the full demonstrated financial need of every student — including international...