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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

Alexandra Chan

Alexandra Chan, Editor-at-Large

Alexandra Chan is a junior studying history, politics and East Asian studies. She has done her time in the basement dungeon state of mind and can't really seem to let go. Follow her @noelle.png on Instagram for inconsistent posting but aesthetically pleasing rows. She doesn't know what Twitter is.

All content by Alexandra Chan
Protestors walk through a crowd, holding various signs in favor of climate change reform, one reads “ONE VOICE, ONE HOPE, ONE REAL DECISION”.

Photo: Framing climate advocacy as ‘patriotic’ increases belief in climate crisis, NYU study finds

September 26, 2024

Protestors at the New York Climate Strike in 2019, marching from Foley Square to Battery Park.

An S.A.T. a practice pamphlet sits alongside a book featuring the words "S.A.T. Test Preparation" on it, and other study items on a desk.

Photo: NYU considers reinstating standardized testing requirement

Ruhan Ganpath, Contributing Writer March 29, 2024

(Alexandra Chan for WSN)

A group of Columbia residence assistants protest outside Barnard College.

Photo: Barnard RA union to meet with administrators this week

Abby Wilson, News Editor October 12, 2022

Barnard College resident assistants want the university to formally recognize them as a union. (Photo by Alexandra Chan)

(Alexandra Chan for WSN)

Photo: Ranked: What is the best NYU dining hall?

Lorraine Olaya, Deputy Managing Editor September 19, 2022

(Alexandra Chan for WSN)

The glass entrance of the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life.

Photo: Student gov’t proposal demands suspension of NYU Tel Aviv

March 11, 2022

The Student Senators Council met on Thursday, March 10, to discuss new proposed resolutions. They called for the closing of the NYU Tel Aviv site, improving facilities for Muslim...

Students march in line on the white concrete sidewalk on the south side of West Fourth Street in front of the red Bobst library building passing by a small green tree and a red street sign. Some of the students hold posters in support of the Graduate Student Organizing Committee.

Photo: Grad union demands missing back pay from NYU admin

March 8, 2022

The NYU graduate student union’s April 2021 picket line in front of Bobst Library. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

#TeamKhangle’s Fall/Winter 2022: Chaos, but you wouldn’t know it

Khangle closed out VIP Pageantry with a second look at the haute couture Dreamer collection and the launch of the ready-to-wear Louiso collection.
Alexandra Chan, Editor-at-Large February 14, 2022

Blue and pink lights set the stage on the fifth floor ballroom of the Times Square Marriott Marquis Hotel. A vaguely reflective white material covered the T-shaped runway as...

(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...

The holidays can be expensive. Here are some items that are worth the hefty price tag. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Sometimes, expensive gifts… are better

If you’re at NYU, there’s a decent chance that you know some rich people who helped get you here. Here are expensive gifts that are actually worth the money that you can ask them for.
Alexandra Chan, Alex Tey and Alex Tran December 10, 2021

As winter break approaches, here’s a holiday gift guide to help you to take advantage of the rich people in your life. When they ask how to ease their conscience, you can answer...

(Photo by Mark-Ameen Johnson)

Opinion: The racist, anti-worker closure of NYU’s English Language Institute

By closing the English Language Institute at the School of Professional Studies, NYU administration is harming workers, international students and non-English speakers. The decision is emblematic of NYU’s callous policies.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor December 7, 2021

The effective closure of the NYU School of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute and its programs, announced to staff in October and reported by WSN on Monday, is...

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)

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

December 7, 2021

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...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: November edition

All hail MILF idol groups — T-ARA made a comeback after a 4-year hiatus.
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung November 30, 2021

Welcome back to the K-pop burn book! Neither Alex nor Joey went to see aespa at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — Joey was in California and Alex just didn’t feel like...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: idol group names

Do you ever look at a K-pop idol group name and wonder what focus group they tested it on?
Joey Hung and Alexandra Chan November 19, 2021

It’s the return of the Burn Book variety show, but we’re not creepy. This time, we’re taking you through some of the most bonkers acronyms of K-pop groups and offering our...

NYU’s chapter of YDSA attempted to organize a tuition strike. Despite their efforts, the planned strike was called off. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan )

Photo: NYU YDSA leaders reflect on tuition strike failures

Jessie Hinson, Contributing Writer November 19, 2021

NYU’s chapter of YDSA attempted to organize a tuition strike. Despite their efforts, the planned strike was called off. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan )

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)

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

November 19, 2021

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....

Students with NYU YDSA protest for lower tuition on April 30. The organization's spring 2021 tuition strike was canceled due to insufficient mobilization and concerns over de-enrollment. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Opinion: NYU YDSA strikes out

November 12, 2021

Students with NYU YDSA protest for lower tuition on April 30. The organization's spring 2021 tuition strike was canceled due to insufficient mobilization and concerns over de-enrollment....

Student parents often face more financial hardships than their non-parent peers. NYU should offer free childcare services to provide more support to their student parents. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Opinion: NYU should provide free child care for student parents

November 11, 2021

Student parents often face more financial hardships than their non-parent peers. NYU should offer free childcare services to provide more support to their student parents. (Staff...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: Types of K-pop stans

Stanning is a modern art form. It was inevitable that someone was going to get around to critiquing you.
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung November 10, 2021

You thought we only reviewed comebacks? Joke’s on you! K-pop burn book is back with a surprise mid-month edition to roast the way you stan. All of these targeted attacks are...

Students with NYU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America protest for lower tuition on April 30. The organization's spring 2021 tuition strike was cancelled due to insufficient mobilization and concerns over participant safety. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: NYU YDSA cancels tuition strike after failing to garner student interest

November 10, 2021

Students with NYU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America protest for lower tuition on April 30. The organization's spring 2021 tuition strike was cancelled due to insufficient...

Earlier this year, the NYU Graduate Student Organization Committee secured a pay and benefits increase from the university after three weeks of protesting unfair compensation. Students from other universities who are going on strike deserve our solidarity in their fight for fair pay. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Editorial: Support graduate student union strikes

November 8, 2021

Earlier this year, the NYU Graduate Student Organization Committee secured a pay and benefits increase from the university after three weeks of protesting unfair compensation....

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: October edition

“Oh my gosh, don’t you know I’m a savage?” No, Winter, you probably can’t break anyone into pieces.
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung November 2, 2021

Welcome back to the K-pop burn book — by fans, for fans! The first K-pop song both Joey and Alex listened to was Wonder Girls’ “Nobody.” The choreography for “Fire”...

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)

Photo: Opinion: Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton deserves Democrats’ endorsement

October 26, 2021

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...

Sunrise NYU held a rally in Washington Square Park on Oct. 15. The climate justice group relaunched its initiative pushing NYU to divest from fossil fuels and private prisons. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Sunrise NYU revives university divestment campaign

Rachel Fadem, Deputy News Editor October 18, 2021

Students Dylan Wahbe and Paige Anderson address the crowd in front of Kaufman Management Center. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has called on wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions. As an investor in the fossil fuel industry himself, his actions contradict his rhetoric. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Editorial: Larry Fink is a climate hypocrite

WSN Editorial Board October 18, 2021

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has called on wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions. As an investor in the fossil fuel industry himself, his actions contradict his...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

A first look at a new concert by Tisch Dance students

Second Avenue Dance Company’s October concert will run Oct. 7-9 at the Jack Crystal Theater. Managing Editor Alexandra Chan brings you these photos from the dress rehearsal.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor October 8, 2021

Tisch Dance’s Second Avenue Dance Company will premiere its October concert this weekend. It will feature nine pieces, with guest choreographers Yin Yue and Dwight Roden each...

Bowllin’ restaurant is located on Waverly Place. With new management, a familiar favorite has become unrecognizable. (Photo by ​​Camille Harvell)

An obituary for Bowllin’

It’s not actually closed. It’s just dead to me.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor October 6, 2021

I was catfished by a restaurant.  For the uninitiated, Bowllin’ is a Korean barbecue bowls restaurant located right off of Washington Square Park on Waverly Place. My...

Welcome to Alex and Joey's K-pop burn book. Feel free to disagree but we stand by our opinions. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

K-pop burn book: September edition

LALISA was tragic. We would tell you to form your own opinions, but we know you will agree with us. 
Alexandra Chan and Joey Hung October 1, 2021

Welcome to the first edition of the K-pop burn book! Joey and Alex are bona fide fans who want to take advantage of every opportunity to write about K-pop the way Billboard won’t....

Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance have been protesting against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s debt relief plan for taxi workers outside City Hall for the past eight days. The plan is weak and does not do enough to financially protect taxi drivers. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Editorial: NYC taxi drivers deserve better than de Blasio’s deal

September 27, 2021

Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance have been protesting against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s debt relief plan for taxi workers outside City Hall for the past eight days....

Mooncakes are a dessert that are eaten in some countries to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival. The festival, which begins tomorrow, is an important holiday in Asian cultures that honors unity and family. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: More than a mooncake: Students celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with beloved dessert

September 20, 2021

Mooncakes are a dessert that are eaten in some countries to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival. The festival, which begins tomorrow, is an important holiday in Asian cultures that...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: NYU alum O’Neill illuminates Rainbow Room with Markarian debut

Sixx Orange, Contributing Writer September 13, 2021

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from August

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Kacey Musgraves, BTS and more.

August may have slipped away into a moment in time — and sipped away like a bottle of wine — but that doesn’t mean August releases have to! If you feel like refreshing your...

Here’s a look at Times Square through the lenses of two photographers during the pandemic and the thought process behind the shots. (Staff Photos by Alexandra Chan, Jake Capriotti)

Exposures: Jake and Alex capture Times Square in 2020

Two WSN photographers revisit a mid-pandemic photo shoot at New York City’s iconic Times Square from one year ago, diving into the thought process behind the photographs
Alexandra Chan and Jake Capriotti August 29, 2021

  Follow the photographers on Instagram at @noelle.png and @capriotti.jake. Contact Alexandra Chan at [email protected] and Jake Capriotti at [email protected]

(Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Slices of Home

Places in New York City that remind us of home, or otherwise hold a special place in our hearts.
Ashley Wu, Caitlin Hsu and Alexandra Chan August 25, 2021

China Chalet By Ashley Wu, Editor in Chief The first thing I remember about China Chalet is the sidewalk. Cigarette butts and loose sequins scattered the pavement outside...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: Singles from July

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Bo Burnham, Peggy Gou and more.

WSN’s music desk is no longer on summer hiatus. While the staff took a short break, the music world delivered hundreds of singles to sift through and enjoy. And yet, through...

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 Laguardia Pl. In March 2018, the center hosted performances of Gob Squad's 'War and Peace.' (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Revisiting Gob Squad’s performance techniques in a time of remote theater

May 6, 2021

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 Laguardia Pl. In March 2018, the center hosted performances of Gob Squad's 'War and Peace.' (Staff Photo by Alexandra...

Sustainability has become a marketing tool. Greenwashing tricks customers into spending money on unsustainable products under false pretenses. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Greenwashing: How companies are putting up an eco-friendly front

May 6, 2021

Sustainability has become a marketing tool. Greenwashing tricks customers into spending money on unsustainable products under false pretenses. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra...

NYU students and faculty members call for the removal of NYU trustee and Blackrock CEO, Laurence Fink, in lieu of his asset management firm’s investments in index funds associated with firms that operate ICE detention centers and the Trump border walls. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: ‘Larry Fink should not be on the Board of Trustees’: Long-time NYU trustee is linked to ICE and private prison operators

May 5, 2021

NYU students and faculty members call for the removal of NYU trustee and Blackrock CEO, Laurence Fink, in lieu of his asset management firm’s investments in index funds associated...

API students are pressing the University for any sign of results concerning its promises to the Asian community and even its past promises to the Black community. NYU has yet to respond with anything aside from performative comments. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: API students are done with NYU’s performative support

May 5, 2021

API students are pressing the University for any sign of results concerning its promises to the Asian community and even its past promises to the Black community. NYU has yet to...

Protestors march in Manhattan as part of a climate strike. Sustainability movements must recognize the need for intersectionality. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Opinion: Let’s include voices of color into the sustainability movement

May 5, 2021

Protestors march in Manhattan as part of a climate strike. Sustainability movements must recognize the need for intersectionality. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Although the modern college campus is perceived to be filled with liberal and leftist students, professors, and policies, there is no shortage of young college republicans. Some young conservative activists claim that ideological diversity is under attack whenever their opinions are challenged. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Opinion: When campus conservatives invoke ‘ideological diversity,’ don’t take them seriously

May 4, 2021

Although the modern college campus is perceived to be filled with liberal and leftist students, professors, and policies, there is no shortage of young college republicans. Some...

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee has been on strike since April 26 of this year, demanding a renegotiated contract after their previous one expired in August 2020. This strike is not the first time graduate student workers have struggled to get the university to bargain. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: ‘The resilience of GSOC’: A look into the union’s history

May 4, 2021

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee has been on strike since April 26 of this year, demanding a renegotiated contract after their previous one expired in August 2020. This...

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s strike continues into its second week. Some NYU professors have come out in solidarity with the graduate student workers and are urging the university administration to work towards a fair and reasonable contract. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Photo: Professors express solidarity with GSOC

May 3, 2021

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s strike continues into its second week. Some NYU professors have come out in solidarity with the graduate student workers and are urging...