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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

University Life

Opinion: NYU’s recent ad with AI art is an artistic failure

Opinion: NYU’s recent ad with AI art is an artistic failure

From copyright issues and energy consumption to loss of artistic value, the frivolous use of generative artificial intelligence violates several codes of ethics that NYU claims to follow.
Sam Kats, Deputy Copy Chief October 17, 2025

Late last month, NYU sent out an annual reminder asking repeat alumni donors to donate money again. The email’s accompanying image depicts a woman with a purple backpack walking...

(Tony Wu for WSN)

Opinion: NYU cares more about image than free speech

The university’s speedy response to restoring a Federalist Society panel shows that moral consistency takes a back seat to public relations.
Annika Wilewicz, Deputy Opinion Editor October 10, 2025

This week, NYU’s chapter of the Federalist Society hosted its newly reinstated panel featuring Ilya Shapiro, a conservative author who drew scrutiny when his tweets calling Palestinians...

(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

Editorial: Students deserve clarity from NYU leadership

Administrators’ memo about the government shutdown marked a rare moment of transparency, but more is required to support a civically engaged student body.
WSN Editorial Board October 3, 2025

On Monday, two days before the federal government halted for the first time in six years, NYU administrators sent a universitywide email briefing students and faculty on...

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Opinion: NYU uses renovations to suppress student speech

The university’s vague construction projects across public areas are an excuse to push out on-campus protest.
Grace Penny, Contributing Writer September 30, 2025

On April 22, 2024, students set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on Gould Plaza in protest of NYU’s ties to Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. Protestors demanded the university...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

Opinion: Want to make NYU affordable? Fix NYC housing

By voting “yes” on the ballot this November, NYU students can help bring affordable living back to New York City.
Ethan Du, Contributing Writer September 25, 2025

Compared to other prestigious private universities, NYU’s tuition isn’t necessarily more expensive — but its room and board absolutely is. If you break down the numbers,...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: NYU is falling behind on free speech

Over 100 universities have already codified robust free speech protections — it’s time for NYU to do the same.
Serin Lee, Deputy Opinion Editor September 23, 2025

NYU once again received an ‘F’ grade on an annual list evaluating free speech policies across U.S. universities. The ranking, facilitated by watchdog organization Foundation...

A woman’s hand swipes a metrocard.

Opinion: Getting rid of the MetroCard is a loss for accessibility in NYC

As New York City goes tap-only, the city risks leaving behind the people who benefit from its transit system daily.
Elena Meves, Contributing Writer September 22, 2025

For nearly three decades and approximately 3.4 million New Yorkers every day, the act of swiping a MetroCard at a subway turnstile has been as much a part of New York City life...

A white and purple Campus Safety vehicle.

Opinion: Last week’s threat warned us to not rely on administrators

In the wake of a potential emergency, students were left to refer to bootleg screenshots and Instagram reposts.
Angela Dong, Contributing Writer September 19, 2025

Last week, screenshots of a disturbing manifesto detailing threats to shoot Black members of the NYU community flooded Instagram stories. Students reposted the message with warnings...

People sitting by the Washington Square fountain, with trees with green and yellow leaves behind them.

Opinion: NYU students are targets for public debates — it’s time to disengage

The insidious underpinnings of this viral content destroy earnest and productive political discourse.
Grace Carmody, Contributing Writer September 18, 2025

Washington Square Park hosts a myriad of interesting characters: street performers, vendors selling questionable substances and political interviewers looking to exploit eager...

(John Bush for WSN)

Opinion: Stop scrolling, before your attention span is worse than that of a goldfish

From Bobst Library to the classroom, attention spans are collapsing. Phone-free policies may help, but NYU students need more than a locked phone to learn — or care.
Annika Wilewicz, Deputy Opinion Editor September 17, 2025

Last week, NYU became the first major U.S. college to publicize its plans for device-free zones. Starting this year, classrooms across the university are becoming “phone-free,”...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

Opinion: It’s time for dining halls to beef up their meat-free options

As a leading institution in environmental sustainability, phasing out red meat could cut NYU’s food-related greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% while promoting healthier eating habits.
Serin Lee, Deputy Opinion Editor September 4, 2025

Agriculture has existed for roughly 12,000 years — long enough for most people to have lost perception of how ecologically costly the production of food is. As the fourth-largest...

Around 20 students picketed outside Vanderbilt Hall on Monday, May 5. (Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Guest Essay: What would you have us do instead?

Hamza Mankor is a JD-Ph.D. student at the NYU School of Law.
Hamza Mankor, Guest Contributor May 14, 2025

Guest essays reflect opinions from writers beyond WSN. If you’d like to submit a guest essay for consideration, please email [email protected]. I write this as an open letter...