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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

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Opinion: Trump’s new immigration policies put Arab, Muslim and pro-Palestinian students at risk

With a new travel ban on the horizon, international NYU students who are potentially at risk need to be aware of what lies ahead.
Leila Olukoga, Deputy Opinion Editor January 30, 2025

In 2017, President Donald Trump enacted a drastic and unprecedented travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, halting immigration from countries such as Iran and Somalia...

(Kiera Gabel for WSN)

Opinion: NYU should give students the day off for Lunar New Year

Given the large Asian student population at NYU, the university should formally recognize Lunar New Year as an academic holiday.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer January 29, 2025

This past week, my mom asked me to come home on Lunar New Year to celebrate with our family and distant relatives who I haven’t seen for years. It’s one of the most important...

(Marva Shi for WSN)

Opinion: The exploitation of prison labor

The prison labor system in New York state exploits incarcerated individuals, denying them fair wages, workplace protections and dignity.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor January 28, 2025

In New York, chairs in classrooms, street signs and license plates have one thing in common:  They are all produced by prison labor. As of 2024, around 1.8 million people were...

(Isabel Albors for WSN)

Opinion: New York’s legal system leaves the undocumented unrepresented

Thousands of unaccompanied immigrants in the United States, including New York, face deportation proceedings without legal representation.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer January 28, 2025

The right to a fair trial and legal representation are considered cornerstones of our country. The Sixth Amendment ensures this, with defendants having the right to an attorney...

Opinion: Trump's TikTok ‘solution’ is all about control

Opinion: Trump’s TikTok ‘solution’ is all about control

President Trump’s justification for and reaction to the ban on TikTok show his intent for strict control of discourse on social media.
Leila Olukoga, Deputy Opinion Editor January 27, 2025

On the evening of Jan. 18, over 170 million TikTok users in the United States, including myself, found themselves unable to open the app. Before the app went dark, I — like many...

(Kevin Wu for WSN)

How you can help NYC’s homeless crisis

Homelessness in New York City has reached an unprecedented scale. However, there is a way for us to support those without shelter for just one night.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer January 24, 2025

For most NYU students, the worst of a cold January night will be facing the bitter winds as we walk into the warmth of our own dorms. Inside, it’s cozy with the radiators turned...

President Donald Trump addresses the press outside of the courtroom during his New York civil fraud case in New York City on Oct. 17, 2023. (Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)

Opinion: New York City under Trump’s second term

As our country undergoes a second Trump administration, New York City faces threats to its economy, climate and progressive values.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor January 23, 2025

Just days into his second term, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that will change the fundamental principles of the United States as we know it. In an alarming string...

(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)

Letter from the Editor: A reflection on WSN’s mission

It’s my last semester leading the publication, and all I can think about is how proud and hopeful I am for the future of student journalism.
Yezen Saadah, Editor-in-Chief January 22, 2025

Dear readers, This spring marks my last semester as WSN’s editor-in-chief and possibly my final semester working at the paper. Though I am only a junior, I can’t help but...

A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.

Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.

These professionals are seeking a new purpose: helping NYU skirt around socio-political tensions.
Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor December 13, 2024

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. An NYU spokesperson recently affirmed the university’s aim to practice “institutional restraint” in response to escalations of pro-Palestinian...

A red snake wrapped around a black and white rifle like the Rod of Ascelpius, in front of a blue background.

Off Topic: A shot heard around the health care sector

The public reaction to the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO reveals how broken the U.S. health care system is.
Mehr Kotval and Noah Zaldivar December 13, 2024

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in broad daylight on the curb outside the Hilton in Midtown. A man wearing a hoodie — identified by the New York City...

The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.

Opinion: Congestion pricing is the cure to NYC’s traffic crisis

For the second year in a row, New York City has been named the world’s most congested urban area, harming citizens every day. It’s time to change that with congestion pricing.
Steven Wang, Staff Writer December 12, 2024

In 2024, New York City claimed the title of the world’s most congested urban area once again, surpassing other major cities like Paris, Mexico City and Chicago. However, we may...

A protester holds up a white sign that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST”.

Opinion: NYU must sever ties with Tel Aviv University

From deadly military technology to an “engineering war room,” NYU's partner institution Tel Aviv University is not only complicit in but also contributes to Israel's war crimes.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor December 11, 2024

On July 3, the Israeli military ordered the family of Muhammed Bhar, a 24-year-old man with Down syndrome and autism, to evacuate their home at gunpoint. During this altercation,...