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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

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: The role of opinion journalism

In a world where the quality of political debate has been compromised, ethical opinion journalism is more important than ever.
Mehr Kotval and Noah Zaldivar March 3, 2025

“There was a time when a newspaper, especially one that was a local monopoly, might have seen it as a service to bring to the reader’s doorstep every morning a broad-based...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Opinion: Gen Z might never get the American Dream

With rampant inflation, rent prices and student debt defining the lives of Gen Z, it is important to consider how NYU can help its students navigate their financial future.
Shanay Tolat, Deputy Opinion Editor February 28, 2025

Older generations often tell us that if we work hard enough we can achieve the American Dream — the stereotypical suburban house with a white picket fence, a spacious backyard...

(Jake Capriotti for WSN)

Guest Essay: The call for a reparations committee

NYU needs to refuse compliance with President Donald Trump’s white supremacist agenda by taking active steps like reparations and acknowledging its racist past.
JJ Briscoe and Sebastian Leon Martinez February 28, 2025

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. We are at a crossroads on...

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

Opinion: A new generation of leaders is long overdue

As our political system ages, young voices are necessary for our nation’s progress.
Serin Lee, Contributing Writer February 27, 2025

Despite being affected the most by today’s political decisions, younger people have long been sidelined in the political arena, where older people continue to dominate. This...

(Danny Arensberg for WSN)

Opinion: LGBTQ+ mental health is under attack

As President Donald Trump targets LGTBQ+ freedoms, it is important for local governments to do more to protect their LGBTQ+ citizens and their mental health.
Sam Kats, Contributing Writer February 27, 2025

Content warning: This article includes mentions of suicide. Shortly after President Donald Trump won the 2024 election, LGBTQ+ crisis lines were flooded with an unprecedented...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Off Topic: The alt-right is lying about free speech

Despite its supposed commitment to freedom of speech, the Trump Administration’s actions reveal its commitment to stifling political opposition and controlling narratives.
Noah Zaldivar, Opinion Editor February 26, 2025

One of the biggest talking points of the alt-right has been the so-called destruction of free speech, which they often blame on the rise of politically correct speech, or wokeness,...

(Alina Patrick for WSN)

Opinion: Why small talk matters in a big city

In an often isolating city, small talk may be the solution to the “epidemic” of loneliness.
Claire Cordonnier, Contributing Writer February 24, 2025

In New York City there is a strange paradox: Loneliness thrives in one of the most densely populated cities in the country, a reality that has only become more apparent following...

(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)

Opinion: NYU gentrifies as New Yorkers suffer

NYU’s geographical dominance impacts both affordable housing and the progression of gentrification in lower Manhattan.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer February 24, 2025

Last month, NYU finalized its purchase of the Hebrew Union College building on West Fourth Street for $75.5 million. This addition to the university's already-massive real estate...

(Natalia Kempthorne-Curiel for WSN)

Opinion: Hustle culture is harming us, and self-care isn’t helping

In our performance-driven world, students find themselves on the receiving end of two toxic trends — hustle culture and its commercialized counterpart, self-care.
Mehr Kotval and Noah Zaldivar February 21, 2025

As college students, academic stress, burnout and demanding expectations are all familiar experiences. The job market has raised its standards, and the constant pressure...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Guest Essay: At NYU, we cannot afford to be passive in the face of fascism.

President Donald Trump’s blitzkrieg of executive orders threatens international students, trans rights, diversity initiatives and our core values.
NYU College Democrats February 20, 2025

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. We have always known who...

Opinion: Students need to rethink their relationship with weed

Opinion: Students need to rethink their relationship with weed

As marijuana use increases among college students, including at NYU, it's important to consider the risks that often go overlooked.
Konrad Zawadzki, Contributing Writer February 19, 2025

At NYU, marijuana is a large part of campus culture. When I walked through campus for the first time, the pungent smell of cannabis lingered in the air, emanating from dorms, elevators...

Off Topic: DeepSeek’s arrival is a wakeup call for AI regulation

Off Topic: DeepSeek’s arrival is a wakeup call for AI regulation

With a new, more cost-effective chatbot permeating the market and openly sharing the secrets to its success, we must question whether DeepSeek’s effects will be disturbing or democratic.
Shanay Tolat, Deputy Opinion Editor February 19, 2025

Just last week, DeepSeek, the latest competitor to ChatGPT, burst onto the scene, immediately causing an uproar among U.S. tech companies and the recently inaugurated Trump administration....