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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

Despite opting for in-person classes this spring, NYU has not provided adequate support to students and faculty — making it difficult for them to navigate the new semester amid the ongoing pandemic. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU’s handling of COVID-19 is a valid reason to take a leave of absence

Between confused faculty and administrators, ineffective online learning methods and a tuition of $80,000 per year, it's OK that you want time off.
Jules Roscoe, UTA Staff Editor January 28, 2022

NYU announced its spring 2022 reopening plans in a university-wide email on Jan. 12. The reaction was a mix of enthusiasm and concern. Students have been yearning for a normal...

An illustration of hand turning a page of a print edition of WSN. The image on the front page is a smaller version of that illustration, suggesting infinite recursion.

Letter from the editor: On transition

Transitions are perpetual, uncomfortable and inevitable. Meet WSN's new editor-in-chief.
Alex Tey, Editor-in-Chief January 24, 2022

Dear readers, This is a strange time to be attending college. Last spring was mostly online, last fall was mostly in person, and now we’re in this in-between zone where...

Despite the surge in cases of the omicron variant, NYU announced that classes will be held in-person. However, the omicron variant can be fatal for disabled and immunocompromised students, whose health and safety continue to be overlooked. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU’s reopening is ableist

NYU’s decision to start the spring semester with in-person instruction demonstrates a gross disregard for its most vulnerable students.
Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion Editor January 17, 2022

NYU’s recent announcement that the university will hold in-person instruction during the spring 2022 semester included a revealing concession. “To be clear, in all likelihood,...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: Defending WSN’s coverage of the ELI

A response to NYU spokesperson John Beckman's inaccurate Letter to the Editor criticizing WSN's coverage of the ELI.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor December 15, 2021

The university’s response (Dec. 14, “Letter to the Editor: WSN's coverage of the ELI is erroneous”) to WSN’s reporting on the English Language Institute raises concerns...

NYU needs to cut ties with Michael Steinhardt and rename the school that bears his name.

Opinion: NYU should sever all ties with Michael Steinhardt 

The board of trustees must change the name of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development given Steinhardt’s proven record as a looter and sexual predator.
Asha Ramachandran, Opinion Editor December 10, 2021

Michael Steinhardt, billionaire, hedge fund manager and the namesake of the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, was forced to surrender $70 million...

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

Staff Rants: The end of the semester

From existential questions to never-ending homework, our staff has a lot to say in the last Staff Rants of the semester.

On leaving Ashley Wu — Editor-in-Chief I didn't know I'd be graduating this semester. It came as a bit of a surprise. After scheduling a meeting with my counselor,...

Sunrise Movement NYU urged the NYU board of trustees to improve transparency and democracy, as well as divest from fossil fuels. For the 1,200 students who have signed a petition created by Sunrise NYU, democracy within the NYU board of trustees and community is imperative. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Letter to the Editor: Divestment, democracy and the board of trustees

The board of trustees is an unaccountable group with overwhelming power. We need to democratize NYU to ensure transparency, accountability and a prosperous future for its students. A response to ​​”Hamilton discusses NYU dorm intruder response, denies private prison investment,” Nov. 18.
Paige Anderson, Contributing Writer December 7, 2021

Sunrise Movement NYU launched its Divest NYU campaign this fall, the third push for divestment from fossil fuels at NYU. While each push differed in strategy and specific demands,...

Palladium dining hall is located on the third floor of Palladium Hall is one of the most popular NYU dining locations. Various dining restrictions since COVID-19 have made student dining more difficult, causing more harm than good. (Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Opinion: Dining restrictions are hurting students’ wellbeing

Despite NYU’s commitment to student health, mental health struggles are slipping under the radar. COVID-related dining restrictions curtailing eating spaces are negatively impacting the wellbeing of students, especially those who have complex relationships with food.
Alyssa Goldberg, Contributing Writer November 23, 2021

Content warning: This article discusses disordered eating. While NYU has placed a major emphasis on COVID-19 safety policies, the administration has paid significantly less...

(Charlie Dodge for WSN)

Opinion: NYU’s mask policy is just for show

NYU's mask policy is far stricter than local guidelines and sends the wrong message about vaccine efficacy. It would be more beneficial for the university to focus on encouraging booster shots. 
Jules Roscoe, Staff Writer November 22, 2021

Last year, the medical community rejoiced as Sandra Lindsay, a New York nurse, became the first American to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and more...

The annual Trans Day of 
Remembrance is a chance to memorialize those lost and to stand up for those still living. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: Do us justice with your trans remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance, commemorated on Nov. 20 each year, is a day for mourning and honoring trans people lost to a transphobic society. If you’re a trans ally, you need to carefully consider where your remembrance is coming from.
Alex Tey, Deputy Managing Editor November 20, 2021

Content warning: This article discusses transphobia, murder and suicide. Founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith in memory of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman murdered the previous...

The cancellation of YDSA’s tuition strike should not be viewed as a failure. Rather, it shows the lengths that students are willing to go to demand action from the university. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Letter to the Editor: The NYU YDSA tuition strike laid the foundation for future organizing

Despite the obstacles to organizing at a school like NYU, YDSA’s tuition strike proved that students are willing to take action to demand the university they deserve. A response to “NYU YDSA strikes out,” Nov. 12.
Jake Colosa, Contributing Writer November 19, 2021

Last week, a WSN opinion piece argued that the NYU Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter’s failed tuition strike “did not demonstrate the same resolve or organization”...

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

Staff Rants: NYU stereotypes

From Tisch film bros to trust fund babies, our staff has a lot to say about NYU stereotypes and their purveyors.

On nepotism Tisch: A school half-comprised of pure talent and half-comprised of nepotism and too much daddy’s money. Srishti Bungle — Deputy Opinion Editor On making...