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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

A portrait of Alex Tey.

Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large

Alex Tey was previously WSN’s editor-in-chief. She is now at large. Watch out!

All content by Alex Tey
Protesters set up tents at NYU's first Gaza Solidarity Encampment on Gould Plaza. (Krish Dev for WSN)

Top NYU trustee calls for FBI action on protests

William Berkley suggested that outside actors had planned pro-Palestinian encampments at New York City colleges, urging “the FBI and terrorist monitoring groups” to take action on a recent Zoom call with a centrist political organization.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large May 6, 2024

NYU trustee and insurance billionaire William Berkley called for federal law enforcement to take action against pro-Palestinian student protesters on a Zoom call with the centrist...

Paulson Center lobby focusing on a white sign that says “TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE N.Y.U. COMMUNITY, A N.Y.U. I.D. IS TEMPORARILY REQUIRED FOR ACCESS.”

NYU’s Paulson atrium restrictions might violate 2012 legal agreement

University officials insist that the public atrium is not closed — merely temporarily, indefinitely restricted to NYU-only access for security reasons. But potential flaws in their interpretation of a legal document cast doubt on this justification.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large April 17, 2024

NYU’s closure of a public space in the Paulson Center likely violates the terms of an agreement with New York City, according to an urban planning expert. Some organizations...

A bird’s eye view of Washington Square Park crowded with protestors holding umbrellas.

Thousands take to Washington Square to protest for cease-fire in Gaza

Nearly five months after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, thousands of protesters gathered at Washington Square Park to demand a cease-fire.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large March 4, 2024

Thousands of protesters marched from Washington Square Park to midtown Manhattan on Saturday to demand a cease-fire in Gaza, as the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the number...

A line of police officers in riot helmets stand in a crosswalk. Behind them, metal barricades contain a dense crowd of young people.

Streamer Kai Cenat’s meetup stirs up mayhem in Union Square

A crowd that had gathered for a giveaway organized by the creator damaged vehicles and wreaked havoc on Friday, prompting police to clear the square and surrounding streets.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large August 5, 2023

A planned giveaway of gaming gear broke out into chaos Friday afternoon, when fans of Twitch streamer and YouTube creator Kai Cenat began to riot at Union Square. New York City...

Above a crowd in a park, protesters hold blue, pink and white transgender flags and a sign reading “you will never eradicate us.”

For trans people, what comes after visibility?

This year’s Transgender Day of Visibility rally was a chance for trans people to affirm their existence — and to consider how we can go beyond merely being seen.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large April 6, 2023

Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated annually on the last day of March, is a complicated day for me. I often feel like I’d prefer to be invisible. This year, though,...

A framed sepia-tone photo of Joan Didion’s items in Stair Galleries is set against a black-and-white background of Didion book covers.

A day of magical thinking at the Joan Didion estate sale

The Nov. 16 auction of Joan Didion’s belongings marked a final, posthumous turning point in the legacy of the perennial idol of aspiring writers.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large November 21, 2022

I’m certain that, given the opportunity, Joan Didion would have attended her own estate sale. The writer was the definitive chronicler of disorder and decline in 20th-century...

A part-time faculty member on strike. They hold up their fist and carry a sign that reads "U.A.W. ON STRIKE." Behind them are other striking faculty members.

Strike upends classes at The New School

Part-time faculty at The New School commenced a strike on Wednesday after their union was unable to reach a new tentative contract with the university.
Carmo Moniz, Tori Morales and Alex Tey November 16, 2022

Part-time faculty at The New School — who together represent 87% of the university’s teaching staff — went on strike Wednesday morning after weeks of bargaining between their...

The Front Bottoms' guitarist Brian Sella and vocalist Mat Uychich standing in front of trees.

Q&A: Time, place and live music with The Front Bottoms’ Brian Sella

The frontman of the New Jersey-born punk rock band spoke with WSN about the evolution of the band’s style and returning to perform in his home state.
Alex Tey, Editor-in-Chief May 5, 2022

“Everyone blooms in their own time,” promises the first track on The Front Bottoms’ 2020 album “In Sickness & In Flames.” With the pandemic putting live music on...

A man sits on his bed looking at the camera in front of his decorated walls next to an empty bed and drawer that is not being used.

Students upset by NYU response to roommate’s mental health crisis

Coral Tower residents sought a dialogue with their residence hall directors to communicate their concerns. They were left in the dark instead.
Alex Tey, Editor-in-Chief April 18, 2022

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of a mental health crisis. Five residents of a Coral Tower suite said the building directors refused to listen to their concerns...

A filled transparent condom dispenser against a pink wall located in the resource center of the Third North residence hall.

Student-led initiative expands dental dam access

Dental dams, which protect against sexually transmitted infections, will be more available in residence halls due to the advocacy of a group within NYU’s Amnesty International chapter.
Nicole Chiarella, Staff Writer March 2, 2022

Dental dams will become more available across campus and in residence halls in the coming weeks. The initiative was piloted by Amnesty International’s sexual reproductive rights...