Skip to Main Content
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

An illustration shows a figure of a person with a blue shirt and blue pants crossing their arms as they stand among a group of four silhouetted people talking. Illegible speech bubbles representing their thoughts float in the air above them.

Off-Third: Why everyone at NYU is more talented than you are

Imposter syndrome doesn’t exist. You’re just not the smartest or the most talented or even the nicest person at NYU. (Off-Third is WSN’s satire column.)
Abe Shapiro, Contributing Writer April 19, 2022

First-year NYU students, plagued by insecurity and inexperience, often doubt their merit as members of the Violet community. In fact, a large portion of these first-years claim...

An illustration divided vertically into two sections. The left side shows two men and three women in suits against a gray background. The vertical right side has the words “NYU Publishing Panel Event” and “Learn More” against a purple background.

Opinion: NYU’s publishing program needs to diversify 

Representation matters in all avenues — including the professors and guest lecturers in the classroom.
Mika Chipana, Contributing Writer April 14, 2022

I am sure that all NYU students feel this way, but I honestly believe that I am in the best program offered by the university. NYU’s Masters in Publishing program lets us learn...

An illustration of an NYU transcript with a W grade for one course.

Opinion: For students’ health, a W grade on a transcript should be expungeable

The rigidity of the withdrawal policy may push students to prioritize grades over health.
Sophie Moller, Contributing Writer April 13, 2022

If a student withdraws from a course after the add/drop period, a W will appear on their transcript. According to guidelines from the NYU Division of Student Affairs, students...

The exterior façade of a college building with golden doors and clear decorated windows as the sun shines on half of the building and people walk on the sidewalk.

Opinion: NYU CAS shouldn’t require a foreign language

Forcing students to take four semesters of one language eliminates other avenues of educational exploration and wastes students’ resources.
Matthew Franco, Contributing Writer April 12, 2022

I honestly couldn't tell you what I learned in my Spanish classes. I can remember “me llamo,” “porque” and a couple of funny curse words. I can remember all the skulls...

On an easel, a poster with a dark purple background reads in pink font: “Donate up to 3 meal swipes per day at the following dining halls.” Below in white font, one under the other, it reads: “Downstein, Jasper Kane Cafe, Kosher Eatery, Marketplace at Kimmel, NYU Eats at Lipton, Peet’s Coffee, Palladium, NYU Eats at Third North.” Next to the easel the door of Kimmel Marketplace is open and a dining hall worker is seen in the back.

Opinion: NYU’s Swipe it Forward meal donation program could be great

The meal swipe donation program aims to combat food insecurity in our community, but its inconsistency and confusing logistics are hindering its potential.
Holly Kase, Contributing Writer April 7, 2022

We live in an expensive city, which means eating doesn’t come cheap. A 2019 NYU study surveyed 257 NYU students and found that 41% were experiencing food insecurity. That’s...

The atrium of Bobst Library as seen from its lobby. Visitors walk in and out of the building.

Opinion: Bobst Library is falling apart

Bobst is an iconic library, but it needs to be modernized so that it looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
Hannah Kim, Contributing Writer April 6, 2022

With springtime comes throngs of bright-eyed, turquoise-nametag-wearing high schoolers who can be seen sauntering around NYU’s campus. They’ll make stops at the Kimmel Center...

A group of protesters march through Chinatown. In the middle of the frame, one protester holds a cardboard sign with the words “Stop Asian Hate Crime” painted in thick black letters.

Opinion: Student gov’t statement supporting minority students falls flat, again

The Student Government Assembly's statement in support of NYU's Asian American and Pacific Islander population is a performative extension of support that lacks real action.
Jack Li, Contributing Writer April 4, 2022

On March 12, NYU’s Student Government released a statement in support of the university’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community and offered recommendations for addressing...

An illustration of a megaphone with a red handle. Written in orange on the megaphone are the words “Staff Rants.”

Staff Rants: NYU’s new masking requirements

Our staff shares their thoughts on NYU’s updated masking requirements.

On the case for old rules:  Srishti Bungle, Opinion Editor I think it’s a bad idea to go easy on the masks right now. The new BA.2 variant of omicron is already responsible...

Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.

Opinion: NYU easing the mask mandate is the right first step

NYU followed the lead of other New York City colleges by lifting masking restrictions, but they’re still staying unnecessarily cautious.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 31, 2022

What we all kind of expected to happen was officially announced via email from NYU Senior Leadership. NYU’s mask mandate was dropped — somewhat. Masking will still be mandatory...

An illustration with a coral background of a calendar opened to a page of the month of March. Under the month's name, it reads “Women’s History Month” in blue letters.

Opinion: NYU’s Women’s History Month isn’t enough

The university’s underwhelming commemoration of Women’s History Month underscores the necessity for more substantive yearlong efforts highlighting women’s achievements and struggles.
Valentina Plevisani, Contributing Writer March 29, 2022

I come from Latin America, where International Women's Day has become a big deal in recent years. It is a day for women of all backgrounds to rally against the patriarchy and protest...

An illustration of a sports podium with a generic college building on the first place spot.

Opinion: From a student who used to worship them, college rankings are worthless

The recent allegations that Columbia University exaggerated statistics to improve its US News & World Report ranking demonstrate that it’s past time to retire the false prestige of college rankings.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 23, 2022

Leading up to my senior year of high school, my party trick was reciting the top 50 schools in US News & World Report’s rankings from memory. It’s embarrassing to admit...

A cardboard sign with the words “Stop Asian Hate” in pale blue letters held by someone in a crowd of protesters.

Editorial: 6 Asian students were attacked on campus. Why did NYU take weeks to respond?

NYU’s response to attacks on Asian students on its campus has been extremely dismissive. The university must urgently address the safety concerns of Asian students.
WSN Editorial Board March 7, 2022

In February, seven students were assaulted on NYU’s campus. At least four of them were likely assaulted by the same man. Of the four students he attacked initially, three were...