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

Squid Game, the popular South Korean survival drama, investigates the destruction done by debt behind its violence and gore. As millions of students struggle to pay off student debt, the series presents a visually exaggerated but ideologically effective parallel. (Image courtesy of Netflix)

Opinion: Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ is a hit among college students suffering under student debt

The Netflix series “Squid Game” starts a conversation on the debt that college students cannot afford to disregard.
Sade Collier, Staff Writer November 9, 2021

In the seventh episode of the dystopian psychological thriller “Squid Game,” contestants are instructed to cross a bridge constructed with glass panels of varying durability....

NYU Langone Health should include Juneteenth on its holiday calendar. Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday would be an act of recognition that shows Langone acknowledges the historical wrong of slavery. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU Langone failed by not designating Juneteenth as a holiday

Instead of offering employees an optional “Cultural Heritage Day” in place of Juneteenth, NYU Langone should do the right thing by acknowledging the historical significance of June 19.
Kevin Kurian, Opinion Editor November 8, 2021

WSN recently reported that NYU Langone Health, NYU’s academic health center, did not include Juneteenth on its holiday calendar, instead allowing employees to choose one...

Last week, Bill de Blasio filed paperwork that set him up for a New York gubernatorial campaign. Before taking further steps, he should address the concerns surrounding his misuse of security detail as mayor and make financial reimbursements to taxpayers. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Opinion: NYC deserves answers and reimbursements from Bill de Blasio

Before rushing to file for the governor’s race, Bill de Blasio should properly address his misuse of security detail as mayor and make appropriate financial reimbursements.
Michelle Han, Deputy Opinion Editor November 4, 2021

With Eric Adams’ mayoral win confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 2, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s time in office is drawing to a close. De Blasio has already begun to prepare for his next political...

India Walton is a democratic socialist who won the Buffalo’s mayoral Democratic primary in June. While Buffalo’s majority-Democratic electorate would typically ensure Walton’s election as mayor, some of her fellow Democrats have refused to endorse her. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton deserves Democrats’ endorsement

The lack of support for democratic socialist India Walton among New York state Democrats is unacceptable and foolish politics. 
Kevin Kurian, Opinion Editor October 26, 2021

Democratic socialist India Walton defeated incumbent Mayor Byron Brown’s attempt to seek a fifth term in the Buffalo mayoral primary in June. In this predominantly Democratic...

The UN has done more than most realize to curb the effects of climate change. The organization is set to commence the Climate Change Conference on Oct. 31. (Photo by Camila Ceballos)

Opinion: The UN is taking substantial action against climate change

Despite climate defeatism and cynicism surrounding the U.N., the organization is making a difference in the fight for a greener future.
Camila Ceballos, Staff Writer October 25, 2021

As the United Nations prepares for this year's Climate Change Conference, starting on Oct. 31 in the United Kingdom, the efficacy of past efforts regarding climate change...

Kirsten Gillibrand has served as a junior New York Senator since 2009. Her internship program has been criticized for its inaccessibility to low-income applicants and lack of diversity. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Opinion: Kirsten Gillibrand needs to right the wrongs of her internship program

When it comes to her internship program, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is par for the course on the patronage, exploitation and corruption of Washington, D.C.
Zach Banks, Staff Writer October 21, 2021

As the competitive application season rolls around for those aspiring to be a congressional intern this spring, college students are putting the final touches on their resumes...

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has recently come under fire for her actions. Progressives targeting her are only hurting their own cause. (Illustration by Bridget Harshman)

Opinion: Taking cheap shots at AOC hurts the progressive movement

After Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala attendance and Iron Dome vote, progressives are hurting the democratic socialist cause by joining in with the conservatives criticizing her.
Batoul Fathi, Staff Writer October 6, 2021

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended her first Met Gala last month wearing a dress with the words “tax the rich” emblazoned on the back in red letters. Later that month,...

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez changed her vote on the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system in Israel from “no” to “present.” Ocasio-Cortez is not the only progressive politician who abandoned their campaign ideologies. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Opinion: Don’t take progressive politicians at their word

Progressive politicians such as AOC and Jamaal Bowman have repeatedly abandoned their stated ideologies. It’s time we question if they truly champion the change we are looking for.
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor October 5, 2021

In the last few years, the United States has seen a marked rise of progressive politicians like U.S. Reps. Jamaal Bowman, Ilhan Omar and — most famously — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez....

Ex-councilman Andy King made an appearance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Bronx YMCA gym on Sept. 9. Considering his long history of abusive workplace practices, his appearance sends mixed signals regarding accountability for politicians. (Official NYC Council Photo by William Alatriste)

Opinion: Andy King’s ribbon-cutting appearance underscores weak NYC governmental accountability

Making public appearances alongside the ex-councilman after his removal from office for workplace misconduct, New York City politicians send mixed signals on accountability. They must do better by cutting ties with perpetrators and fulfilling their promised audit for sexual harassment policies.
Michelle Han, Deputy Opinion Editor September 27, 2021

On Sept. 9, former councilman Andy King made an appearance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a YMCA gym in the Bronx. Pictured alongside him were several local politicians, including...

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala dress was seen as tone-deaf by many. The controversy raises the question of whether or not NYU students are ignorant of their own class privilege. (Illustration by Bridget Harshman)

Opinion: AOC’s Met Gala stunt and the frivolous performance of class solidarity

AOC’s Met Gala dress was tone-deaf, but what do the surrounding arguments reveal about NYU students’ own ignorance regarding class and privilege?
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor September 23, 2021

On the evening of Sept. 13, the Met Gala was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Among the many distinguished guests were acclaimed actors, renowned artists,...

The privatization of housing has become a priority to the NYCHA. This leaves residences dealing with problems such as asbestos and mold. (Photo by Alexandria Johnson)

Opinion: NYCHA’s privatization plans must be put on hold

Ongoing class-action lawsuits filed by tenants of Queensbridge Houses underscore the hazardous living conditions and lack of transparency that characterize the New York City Housing Authority’s transition to private management through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Until residents are given a seat at the table, RAD must be put on hold.
Michelle Han, Deputy Opinion Editor September 17, 2021

Asbestos, lead, mold, severe leaking, flooding and vermin infestations: These are just a few of the concerns cited by Queensbridge Houses residents in the ongoing pair of class-action...

On Sept. 1, Hurricane Ida brought unprecedented amounts of rain to New York City and caused alarming floods. The damage has prompted more scrutiny on the citys future environmental agenda. (Staff Photo by Shaina Ahmed)

Opinion: Hurricane Ida highlights need for a more comprehensive climate strategy

The historic devastation Hurricane Ida wrought upon New York underscores the urgency of investing in climate infrastructure. Eric Adams’ climate plans, which remain vague, must prioritize climate resiliency and corporate accountability.
Michelle Han, Deputy Opinion Editor September 13, 2021

Hurricane Ida dumped record levels of rain across New York City on Sept. 1, shutting down packed streets and highways and flooding subway stations. Damage and tragedy overwhelmed...