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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 Maisie Zipfel.

Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor

Maisie Zipfel is a first-year double majoring in Journalism and Politics, and double minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Spanish. She is a Yerba Mate enthusiast, a Taylor Swift fanatic and an anti-Greek Life turned sorority girl (Deeph or Die). When she’s not writing in the WSN basement you can find her isolated in Palladium for NYU’s Competitive Dance Team practice, obsessing over her Four-Year Plan or trying to weave in time to take a nap. You can reach her on instagram @maisiezipfel, on LinkedIn (her favorite social media platform) @MaeZipfel or preferably on Venmo @mkzipfel.

All content by Maisie Zipfel
(Max Van Hosen for WSN)

The Soapbox: An update on the war in Gaza

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor May 3, 2024

United Nations reports that reconstructing the infrastructure in Gaza could take decades It may take up  “approximately 80 years” to rebuild the nearly 80,000 homes destroyed...

An N.Y.U. flag hanging on top of the entrance to Lipton Hall.

Red dye thrown across Mills’ front door

An unidentified individual vandalized the front entrance of President Linda Mills’ residence at Lipton Hall as tensions related to ongoing demonstrations on campus continue to rise.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor May 2, 2024

An unidentified individual threw red dye across President Linda Mills’ front door and sidewalk at Lipton Hall on Tuesday afternoon. A video of the perpetrator began circulating...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U., and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored with a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: Strawberry fest, a musical parody of ‘Titanic’ and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: April 29 – May 5.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 28, 2024

Collage of the five dating apps, with “tinder” and “match” on the left, “RAYA” in the middle, and “Hinge” and “Bumble” on the right.

Ranked: Dating apps

Love can be hard to find, but download these apps and cross your fingers!
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 24, 2024

In today’s climate, love is seemingly hard to come by and healthy relationships are few and far between. This desperation has led many to search for companionship via the internet,...

Students protesting in Washington Square Park holding signs that say “YOUTH VS. FOSSIL FUELS BIDEN PICK A SIDE,” “THIS IS CODE RED,” “END FOSSIL FUELS,” “CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW” and more.

Students urge NYU to ‘implement stronger initiatives’ against fossil fuel industry

A day before Earth Day, members of Sunrise NYU gathered at Washington Square Park to push for stronger environmental initiatives on campus.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 22, 2024

Around 20 members from the student environmental group Sunrise NYU gathered in Washington Square Park on Sunday, calling on the university to implement stronger environmental initiatives...

An email from N.Y.U.’s department of campus safety pasted on a purple background.

Administrator punched near Washington Square Park

An unidentified individual punched an NYU administrator on the right side of her face Wednesday morning, following previous attacks on women in lower Manhattan.
Adrianna Nehme, Bruna Horvath and Maisie Zipfel April 17, 2024

An NYU administrator was punched in the face by an unidentified individual near Washington Square Park on Wednesday morning, according to a Department of Campus Safety alert sent...

A graphic of the first two pages of a legal document on a purple background. The first sentence of the petition is highlighted in yellow.

Student sues NYU over ‘excessive’ suspension after taking down Israeli hostage posters

The student, who was suspended at the end of last semester, is arguing that the university wrongfully applied its conduct policies to her case.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 8, 2024

A first-year student who was suspended last semester for taking down posters of Israeli hostages is now suing NYU, alleging the disciplinary action did not align with the university's...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U., and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored with a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: A solar eclipse watch party, a vintage festival and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: April 8 - 14.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 7, 2024

Platform Converse standing on top of a wooden box under the Washington Square Arch.

The Soapbox: Obesity study in the UK, women’s tennis in Saudi Arabia, peace initiative between Switzerland and Russia

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor April 5, 2024

In the United Kingdom, study identifies genes that may contribute to obesity A study led by the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council identified genetic variants in two...

Three security guards in blue uniforms congregate in front of the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life. A barrier is placed both on the top and bottom of the staircase.

Student gov’t passes resolution to reopen Kimmel steps

The resolution will now go to the University Senate Executive Committee, which will decide on next steps.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor March 15, 2024

The Student Government Assembly passed a resolution to reopen the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life, which has been closed since October, at a meeting on...

An image of a statement titled “Further Updates on Promoting Safety and Wellbeing” placed on a purple gradient background.

NYU says most conduct cases closed, announces security and outreach updates

Administrators said the university has reviewed more than 70 additional student conduct cases related to on-campus tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, most of which have been processed.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor March 12, 2024

NYU said it had reviewed over 70 more conduct cases “related to current concerns” — adding to the 90 student conduct cases the university had initially investigated in November...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U., and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored with a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: A St. Patrick’s Day parade, puppy playdates and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: March 11 - 17.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor March 10, 2024

Three security guards in blue uniforms congregate in front of the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life. A barrier is placed both on the top and bottom of the staircase.

Student gov’t pushes for NYU to open Kimmel stairs, cut ties with Starbucks

The student government approved two resolutions, one calling for the reopening of the Kimmel Center staircase and another demanding that NYU remove its on-campus Starbucks location.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor March 8, 2024

The student government presented and passed two resolutions at a Student Senators Council meeting on Thursday, one addressing the reopening of the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel...

The glass exterior of the N.Y.U. Langone Health building, with an incomplete circle around the word "N.Y.U." on the signage.

NYU Langone expands its health care practices to Queens

The new facility marks the medical center’s second location in the borough and aims to serve 13,000 patients each year.
Aashna Miharia and Maisie Zipfel March 8, 2024

NYU Langone Health opened a care facility in Laurelton, Queens on Tuesday. The 7,200-square-foot space — the medical center’s second location in Queens — will be used to...

An illustration of a student government meeting. A person speaks behind a podium with an N.Y.U. flag behind them.

Student gov’t announces initiative to promote on-campus accessibility measures

The Student Government Assembly announced the start of a new accessibility task force to provide more resources for NYU community members with disabilities.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor March 1, 2024

The student government announced the creation of a task force dedicated to promoting the inclusivity of resources on campus at a Student Government Assembly meeting on Thursday.  The...

A white flag with a purple N.Y.U. logo outside a building.

Ex-NYU finance director pleads guilty in $3.5 million fraud scheme

Cindy Tappe, who worked as an administrator for the university until 2018, will face five years of probation and pay restitution for embezzling around $3.5 million in New York state grants.
Aashna Miharia and Maisie Zipfel February 28, 2024

A former NYU finance director pleaded guilty to diverting around $3.3 million in state funds to fictitious companies and using some of the money — around $660,000 — to pay...

Platform Converse standing on top of a wooden box under the Washington Square Arch.

The Soapbox: Eiffel Tower closure in France, maritime improvements in Australia, return of stolen artifacts in Ghana

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 23, 2024

In France, Eiffel Tower closes amid worker strike The Eiffel Tower has been closed to visitors since Monday as a result of a labor worker strike. The General Confederation of...

Two people walk down the runway. One wears a quilt patchwork dress and the other wears a striped colorblocked dress.

IMPACT’s annual show champions sustainability but lacks organization

The nonprofit runway show featured nine designers and their debut fashion lines are rooted in sustainability and environmental advocacy.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 22, 2024

An illustration of students sitting in a large room for a student government meeting. On the left, a purple banner with the N.Y.U. torch logo hangs on the wall and reads “‘N.Y.U. S.G.A.”

NYU leadership delays student gov’t pro-Palestinian speech proposal

The resolution, which was passed by the Student Government Assembly in December, will go to a committee of students and faculty for further deliberation in March.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 13, 2024

The University Senate Executive Committee, a group of seven administrators, faculty and a student representative, passed a majority vote to delay the student government’s resolution...

A group of protestors stand outside of Nike Unite holding signs which say “Nike Steals. Pay your workers,” “N.Y.U. is complicit,” among others.

3 NYU students allegedly assaulted during rally at D.C. Nike store

The students claimed they were harassed by Nike employees and customers during a protest over the company’s ties to NYU and other academic institutions.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 12, 2024

Three NYU students were allegedly harassed by customers and employees at a Nike location in Washington, D.C. during a rally on Feb. 3. At the demonstration, around 25 students...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U, and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: Valentine’s Day celebrations, Black History Month performances and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Feb. 12 - 18.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 11, 2024

Six people with microphones sit on a stage in front of a projector displaying information on the Center for an Urban Future.

Journalism prof. discusses public park funding at environmental conference

The professor, who co-authored a report detailing ways to increase funding for public park maintenance in the city, deliberated his findings at the Wednesday conference.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 9, 2024

John Surico, a CAS professor in the journalism department, spoke with members from environmental activist groups on how to increase funding for public park maintenance in New York...

The exterior of N.Y.U. Langone’s Tisch Hospital and the Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Pavilion.

NYU to help create center for diabetes research with $13 million grant

The center, which will focus on diabetes research tailored toward marginalized communities, will begin its programs this coming fall.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 7, 2024

NYU Langone Health received a $13 million grant to create a national center for Type 2 diabetes research alongside two other institutions, which will be “the first of its kind.”...

A building facade of N.Y.U. Palladium Residence Hall. Next to it is a Trader Joe's grocery store.

Student assaulted outside Palladium Hall

The student and two others were walking past the Trader Joe’s on 14th Street when they were caught in a physical altercation with three suspects and punched in the face.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 3, 2024

An NYU student was assaulted near Palladium Hall around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, the Department of Campus Safety reported earlier this evening.  The student told Campus Safety they...

Platform Converse standing on top of a wooden box under the Washington Square Arch.

The Soapbox: Economic reform in Argentina, sexual misconduct case in Australia, German reparations in Poland

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 2, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault and harassment.  In Argentina, Congress debates economic reform bill Far-right libertarian president Javier...

An image of former N.Y.U Professor Lorin Stein, a man wearing a light blue shirt and a pair of black glasses, resting his head on his right hand, layered on a photograph of a stage with a blue background with the words “N.Y.U. ARTHUR L. CARTER JOURNALISM INSTITUTE” printed on it.

Former Paris Review editor’s journalism class canceled following WSN inquiry

NYU has canceled former Paris Review editor Lorin Stein’s class, after WSN emailed the university asking about sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2017.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor February 1, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault and harassment.  A graduate journalism class taught by former Paris Review editor Lorin Stein, who had resigned...

An illustration of three purple silhouettes on a light purple background, with the words “Forbes Thirty Under Thirty” written on the silhouette.

20 NYU community members make Forbes’ annual ‘30 Under 30’ list

Eighteen NYU alumni, alongside a student and faculty member, were recognized for their success across several industries in Forbes magazine’s 2024 “30 Under 30” list.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor January 23, 2024

Forbes featured 18 NYU alumni, a student and a faculty member in its 2024 edition of the “30 Under 30” list — a ranking of successful people under the age of 30 across more...

A bird’s eye view of Washington Square Park, with the trees barren and parts of the grass covered in snow. Dozens of people are walking in the square.

Winter recap: The news you missed at NYU over break

A recent donation to president Linda Mills’ new financial aid initiative, the end of an anti-racism workshop and all the other news on campus since you’ve been gone.

As you get ready for spring semester classes to begin, here is some news from around campus that you may have missed over the break. Read more for updates on financial aid, a canceled...

A graphic of the first two pages of the university’s 2021 tax returns on a purple background.

New bill could cost NYU over $100 million in annual tax cuts

NYU and Columbia University stand to lose hundreds of millions of dollars worth of annual tax cuts if a bill recently proposed by New York state legislators is passed.
Adrianna Nehme, Krish Dev, Maisie Zipfel and Mikaylah Du December 14, 2023

Legislation recently proposed by state lawmakers could change the way NYU pays its taxes, stripping it of long-standing privileges that have allowed it to save over $100 million...

An illustration of students sitting in a large room for a student government meeting. On the left, a purple banner with the N.Y.U. torch logo hangs on the wall and reads “N.Y.U. S.G.A.”

Student government passes resolution to protect pro-Palestinian activity

The resolution, which was proposed at a student government meeting more than two weeks ago, calls on NYU to “reaffirm protection” for pro-Palestinian student activity on campus.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor December 8, 2023

The Student Government Assembly passed a resolution aimed at reaffirming pro-Palestinian speech on campus “with overwhelming support” at a meeting on Thursday, according to...

A medium shot of a man wearing a white shirt, a dark purple tie, a gray blazer and a silver watch crossing his arms while smiling in front of a light gray background.

NYU Langone hires new cancer center head following termination of former director

A researcher at NYU Langone Health became director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center on Monday, over two weeks after the former director was terminated.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor November 28, 2023

Longtime NYU Langone Health researcher Alec Kimmelman is taking over as director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, more than two weeks after the previous director...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U., and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored with a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: International karaoke, fall movie screenings and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Nov. 13 - 19.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor November 13, 2023

A change dot org petition that states “Reinstate Dr. Zaki Masoud at N.Y.U. Langone Winthrop Hospital”

NYU Langone physician facing termination after reposting pro-Palestinian content

A petition to reinstate the physician began circulating online soon after the medical center removed him from residency for posting content in support of Palestinian resistance on his private Instagram account.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor November 6, 2023

A physician at NYU Langone Health is facing termination from his residency program after reposting a message encouraging Palestinian resistance on his private Instagram account...

Violets victorious as NYU’s mascot, WSN survey finds

Violets victorious as NYU’s mascot, WSN survey finds

Most students and faculty agreed that NYU’s mascot should be the Violets, not the Bobcats.
Krish Dev and Maisie Zipfel October 27, 2023

Approximately 73% of students and faculty said they prefer Violets over Bobcats when asked which mascot they preferred as the school’s representative in a WSN survey.  Of...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U., and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored with a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: Latin American festival, pumpkin carving and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Oct. 23-29.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor October 22, 2023

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch, surrounded by green bushes in front of several pastel-colored buildings. On top of one building is a purple flag reading N.Y.U, and on top of another is a red flag reading W.S.N. The sky is colored a pastel-pink gradient.

What to do this week: A Union Square market, Hispanic Heritage Month and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Sept. 25-Oct. 1.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor September 24, 2023

The close-up shot of a hand scanning an NYU ID card above a card reader.

Swipe it Forward returns with new banking system

The student government announced changes to its meal swipe donation initiative, Swipe it Forward, at a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor September 18, 2023

NYU’s meal donation program, Swipe it Forward, recently returned to select on-campus dining locations, despite limitations from NYU Eats, the organization that operates the university’s...

A pair of platform Converse standing on top of a box under the Washington Square Arch.

The Soapbox: Economic crisis in Argentina, an explosion in Gaza, food crisis in Ghana

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Maisie Zipfel, Deputy News Editor September 15, 2023

In Argentina, an economic crisis looms over upcoming election The annual inflation rate in Argentina rose to 124.4% in the past year, according to a study conducted by the National...

An aerial view of the Washington Square Park and the Midtown skyline. Crowds gather around the fountain in the park. The white Washington Square Arch is in the center of the image.

Summer recap: What you missed at NYU over the last few months

Linda Mills’ appointment as university president, the U.S. Supreme Court’s strike down of race-sensitive college admissions and more news you missed from over summer break.

As the new academic year begins, here is some news from around campus you may have missed over the summer break. Linda Mills becomes NYU president Longtime NYU administrator...