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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

Politics

Red text reading “EXEMPTION” overlays a stack of tax forms.

Opinion: NYU’s tax-exempt status puts other New York schools at a disadvantage

The university must recognize its place in New York City and how its privileged position disadvantages the students and schools around it.
Muhammad Siddiqui, Staff Writer November 8, 2024

NYU is among the top 10 largest private landlords in New York City, a position bolstered by tax exemptions that save the institution around $142 million annually as it continues...

An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."

Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.

The results of the 2024 presidential election are unnerving and distressing — but as students, it’s important for us to harness these feelings and exercise defiance in the face of defeat.
WSN Editorial Board November 7, 2024

Many of us went to bed Tuesday night feeling weary and woke up Wednesday morning nauseous. Some of us didn’t go to bed at all. After the last four months of hope for a brighter...

A photograph of a building from across the street.

Opinion: NYU needs to provide medication abortions

Many universities have stepped up to provide medication-based abortions on campus. With reproductive rights under constant threat, NYU needs to follow suit.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor November 6, 2024

In the years following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been a slew of assaults on reproductive rights, including numerous states enacting aggressive and restrictive...

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump stand in a crowd of people.

Opinion: How to prepare for your post-election mental health

No matter the result of this stressful election, it’s important to know how to cope with your feelings.
Madison Kitchen and Michal Weiss November 5, 2024

With the 2024 presidential election a day away, you may be feeling confused or overwhelmed amid the floods of stress, anxiety and socio-political tensions on campus — but, rest...

A red sign on top of a cardboard box reading “VOTE N.Y.C.” inside of a building.

Opinion: Understanding NYC’s 2024 ballot proposals

This November’s six ballot measures could reshape New York City’s governance — for better and, mostly, for worse. Here’s a breakdown of each so you can make an informed choice.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor November 4, 2024

For New York City residents, there’s more on the chopping block than Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Nov. 5. When entering the voting booth,...

Donald Trump in a navy suit and red tie gestures as he speaks to people behind the frame. Other formally dressed people stand behind him.

Opinion: The least convincing case for Donald Trump

The NYU College Republicans’ op-ed is a multi-layered failure.
Garrison Sylvester, Contributing Writer November 4, 2024

The NYU College Republicans’ guest essay, “Living fearlessly and embracing Trump’s vision for change,” fails to address former President Donald Trump’s biggest...

Hands typing at a computer with the words “FORECLOSE” on the screen. There is another computer in the background that reads “FAKE NEWS”.

Off Topic: You should be worried about the future of journalism

Misinformation is almost as rampant as mistrust of the news is, and it’s furthering the interests of those in authority. Modern journalism isn’t speaking truth to power — it’s feigning the truth on behalf of those in power.
Noah Zaldivar, Opinion Editor October 25, 2024

Media being used to mislead the public in the interest of policy makers and government is nothing new. The explosion of the U.S. battleship Maine on Feb. 15, 1898 — and its subsequent...

An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”

Editorial: Think globally, vote locally

The presidential race may steal the spotlight, but the impact of local elections on our daily lives is undeniable. Stay informed and make your vote count where it matters most.
WSN Editorial Board October 24, 2024

As college students, we consume media related to this year’s presidential election on a daily basis. It’s everywhere — in our classrooms, on social media, in our news outlets....

An illustration of different colored hands raised with three signs being held in the middle with one letter on each sign spelling “D.E.I.”

Guest Essay: In defense of diversity, equity and inclusion

Adrian Pica-Borjas is the Director of Diversity for NYU’s Student Government Assembly.
Adrian Pica-Borjas, Guest Contributor October 22, 2024

My name is Adrian Pica-Borjas. I am Honduran American. When I fill out forms asking for my racial identity, I select the oversimplified “Black” and “American Indian or Alaska...

A logo with a white elephant on a red background and the text "C.R. | N.Y.U."

Guest Essay: Living fearlessly and embracing Trump’s vision for change

We may disagree on what the United States needs, but this election feels as existential for us as it does for you. As always, there is a lot at stake this cycle and we argue it is the difference between the status quo and actual change.
NYU College Republicans October 18, 2024

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. To set the record straight...

A sticker that says “I VOTED” in white text. Below the text, “I Voted” is repeated in 12 different languages.

Opinion: Take your activism to the polls

Voting is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. Students have the power — and the duty — to shape the future they will inherit.
Brynna Gritter Kenneke, Staff Writer October 11, 2024

As I get closer to voting in my first presidential election, I am reminded again and again how important it is that we don’t forget the immense power we can wield, even as college...

A black lamppost sign that reads “TULSA” and “DECO DISTRICT” with beige, stone buildings behind it.

Opinion: Oklahoma’s abortion ban cannot be ignored at NYU Tulsa

NYU has conveniently left the state’s oppressive reproductive restrictions out of conversations about the study away site.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor October 9, 2024

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Oklahoma revived a law that made abortion illegal except when it is “necessary to preserve” the life of the pregnant person....