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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 Grace Penny
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Off Topic: Skinny sells — what’s the harm?

As brands profit more from skinny culture, the consumer falls victim to the consequences.
Grace Penny, Staff Writer April 22, 2026

Content warning: This article contains mention of eating disorders. The trend of being skinny is a cyclical one that reimagines itself every few decades. In the 2000s,...

(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Off Topic: Trump’s climate repeals are a disaster waiting to happen

The Trump administration has rejected the EPA’s endangerment finding, denying the human health risks under laughably inaccurate justifications.
Grace Penny, Staff Writer April 1, 2026

This month, 24 states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s latest contribution to the climate crisis: repealing the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding. The...

The aftermath of a burst pipe in the C2 level of Third Avenue North residence hall. (Neil Tawney for WSN)

Opinion: As NYU’s campus expands, so do its facilities problems

The university is pouring money into campus growth projects while failing to address persistent maintenance and living issues.
Grace Penny, Staff Writer February 11, 2026

Across the board, NYU students have grown increasingly irritated with the poor conditions of student dorms and facilities. In January 2026, mice were reported in the Paulson Center....

(Courtesy of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright)

Off Topic: The First Amendment stops at the Pentagon’s gates

Journalists refuse to adhere to the Pentagon's new censorship policy, revealing how America is headed towards autocracy.
Grace Penny, Contributing Writer November 12, 2025

Late September, the Pentagon announced that reporters within its press association must sign a pledge restricting them from publishing news about the organization unless Secretary...

(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...