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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

All content by Becky Flanagan
Gallatin’s graduation ceremony on May 16, 2023. (Danny Arensberg for WSN)

Opinion: Keep identity politics out of graduation

The existence of affinity celebrations at NYU shows that the university continues to confuse division for diversity, and activism for education.
Becky Flanagan, Contributing Writer March 26, 2026

NYU’s identity-based graduation events, meant to celebrate the achievements of certain student communities, elevate a flawed and dishonest assumption behind the appearance...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Opinion: Quit protesting, it’s distracting

Protests on campus are disruptions for the NYU community. It’s time students put down the picket signs and start hitting the books.
Becky Flanagan, Contributing Writer October 20, 2025

A small minority of disruptors are ruining NYU campus life for the vast majority of students. At the protests our student body has come to expect around midterms and finals, we...