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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

Mariapaula Gonzalez

Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor

Mariapaula Gonzalez is a junior studying journalism and politics with a minor in French. Originally from Connecticut, she grew up in a Colombian household full of soccer, cafécito and salsa music. You can find her anywhere near live music, hanging out with her best friends or trying new coffee shops around the city. Feel free to connect with her on instagram @_mariapaulagonzalez.

All content by Mariapaula Gonzalez
People stand in front steps lined with candles, while others light them.

NYU students join citywide youth to honor trans lives in Washington Square Park

The evening before, a group of NYU students protested President-elect Donald Trump’s anti-trans policies at the university’s Brooklyn campus.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 22, 2024

Around 30 students from high schools and colleges across New York City gathered in Washington Square Park on Wednesday evening to commemorate the lives lost as a result of anti-transgender...

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Paulson Center hours after a police sweep of the second Gaza Solidarity Encampment. (Krish Dev for WSN)

Students, staff, admin discuss NYU’s response to campus protests

Hundreds who attended admin-led listening sessions requested more spaces to address mass arrests on campus and the war in Gaza.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 19, 2024

Last semester, dozens of students and faculty faced arrests, suspensions and other sanctions for their involvement in a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at NYU. In the immediate...

Students citywide protest property tax breaks for NYU, Columbia

Students citywide protest property tax breaks for NYU, Columbia

City politicians joined students to advocate for a bill that would redirect $321 million from the universities’ annual tax cuts to fund public institutions.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 12, 2024

Dozens of students rallied in Washington Square Park on Sunday in support of legislation that would end property tax cuts for NYU and Columbia University and reroute the money...

A group of people gathered in front of a building with an N.Y.U. flag. Two people stand on the stairs in front of them, one of them reading aloud from their phone.

‘Where’s the progress?’: NYU students react to Trump victory

Students from the university’s Washington Square and Brooklyn campuses spoke to WSN about their thoughts on the presidential election’s outcome.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 8, 2024

On Tuesday night, thousands of NYU students anxiously crowded computer screens to watch states turn hues of red and blue as results from the 2024 presidential election rolled in....

An audience sitting in rows of wooden desks attentively listening in a well-lit conference room with large windows in the background.

NYU, UC Berkeley activists criticize crackdown on free speech at college campuses

At the event, panelists condemned the arrests of pro-Palestinian student protesters on U.S. college campuses.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 4, 2024

Activists from NYU and the University of California, Berkeley joined a Wednesday night panel to discuss how student demonstrations in the 1960s’ free speech movement reflect...

A computer with a purple N.Y.U. Albert notification screen on display.

Login delays no longer, following student backlash

Administrators said they will “revisit” the university’s approach to non-discrimination training.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 1, 2024

NYU will suspend its 30-second sanctions and halt its persistent email reminders to students who have not agreed to the university’s updated student conduct policies. Prior...

Yellow ballet slippers standing on top of a box under the Washington Square Arch.

The Soapbox: Deadly flooding in Spain, military strikes in Israel, support for Morocco in France

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.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor November 1, 2024

In Spain, deadly floods plague cities and coasts  Flash floods in eastern Spain killed more than 158 people in less than 24 hours, amid one of the country's deadliest bouts of...

Protesters holding hands amidst a crowd waving a Palestinian flag and holding signs that say “CEASEFIRE NOW LET GAZA LIVE!"

Faculty-led panel on free speech relocated after alleged ‘academic freedom violations’

NYU said that the event, which was originally scheduled to take place in Bobst Library, “was never submitted” for approval.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 24, 2024

A Steinhardt professor claimed NYU prohibited a panel discussion about “free speech on college campuses” from taking place in Bobst Library on Oct. 30. A university spokesperson...

A computer with a purple N.Y.U. Albert notification screen on display.

NYU delays login for students who have not completed non-discrimination training

The university said that students could experience “extended” login delays on NYU’s websites and mandatory password resets if they do not complete the Brightspace module.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 17, 2024

Students who have not yet agreed to the university’s updated student conduct policies are facing 30-second delays while logging into NYU Home, Albert and Brightspace, multiple...

A graphic of two text documents layered next to each other on a purple background.

NYU among 40 schools accused of inflating tuition costs for noncustodial parents

A university spokesperson said that NYU “intends to vigorously defend itself” against allegations made in a lawsuit, which claims it intentionally misconstrues demonstrated need for financial aid.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 16, 2024

NYU is one of 40 private U.S. colleges accused of conspiring to reduce financial aid for students with noncustodial parents in an Oct. 7 antitrust lawsuit. The suit claims “individuals”...

An illustration of a pair of legs wearing blue jeans and golden tie flats standing on a wooden box with the “W.S.N.” logo on it. In the background are trees and various colorful buildings.

The Soapbox: Public university funding in Argentina, Falkland Islands ownership in the UK, illegal gold mining 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.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 11, 2024

In Argentina, lawmakers fail to reverse presidential veto on law boosting public university funding Lawmakers in Argentina’s lower house of Congress failed to overturn President...

Tel Aviv seaside. There is a beach and people swimming in the sea. There are tall buildings in the background.

NYU says recent Tel Aviv shooting did not have ‘any effect’ on site operations

A university spokesperson did not report any injuries or harm to NYU community members after the shooting.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 10, 2024

NYU’s study away site in Tel Aviv was not impacted by a shooting in the city on Oct. 1, which took place less than seven miles away from the campus.  “The university is...

The exterior of 10 Astor Place.

NYU Marron Institute receives $20 million to help fund citywide sustainability goals

New York City is partnering with NYU’s Marron Institute of Urban Management to help buildings comply with new carbon emissions laws.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 7, 2024

NYU’s Marron Institute of Urban Management will use a $19.9 million federal grant to work with the city on projects supporting new sustainability laws. In collaboration with...

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: Piano karaoke, a mental health talk with the governor 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. 7- 13.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 6, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump stand apart from each other in a crowd of people. Trump looks back at Harris.

Online discourse about Harris more negative than Trump following vice presidential debate, NYU researchers find

Researchers analyzed rhetoric and discourse from various social media sites following the Tuesday debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 4, 2024

Researchers at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences found that Tuesday’s vice presidential debate negatively affected online discourse about Vice President Kamala Harris...

A portrait of Eric Adams wearing a gray suit, white collared shirt and navy blue printed tie. He stands in front of a royal blue background and an American flag on a floor stand.

How Adams’ indictment could affect NYU

Higher education experts spoke with WSN about potential impacts of Eric Adams’ indictment on NYU’s operations, particularly concerning police on campus and zoning laws.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor October 2, 2024

New York City mayor Eric Adams was indicted last Wednesday on charges of fraud, bribery and conspiracy, inciting a slew of calls for his resignation from politicians and observers....

Five panelists sit on a stage in front of a red curtain and a screen that reads “Listening from the Heart”.

Palestinians and Israelis speak on personal loss in the region amid war in Gaza

At an NYU-hosted panel discussion on Tuesday featuring Israelis and Palestinians, President Linda Mills praised the panelists for seeking “connection and dialogue.”
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor September 19, 2024

Dozens of NYU community members, including President Linda Mills, attended a discussion featuring four members of Israeli and Palestinian families who were affected by the war...

People stand on the sidewalk with a fenced-in park behind them holding Iranian flags and memorabilia. Papers and posters cover the fence and the sidewalk.

Students join dozens in City Hall Park in honor of Mahsa Amini

The demonstration commemorated the two-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, which sparked protests across the world, including at NYU.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor September 17, 2024

NYU students joined around 30 demonstrators in City Hall Park on Sunday to honor the two-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died after being detained by...

The Soapbox is a weekly news column rounding up stories worth reading for a global university. (Illustration by Allina Xiao)

The Soapbox: X ban in Brazil, protests against sexual violence in France, new metro line in Sydney

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.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor September 16, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual misconduct. In Brazil, the Supreme Court upholds X ban Brazil’s highest court banned the social media platform X,...

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: NYU Reads, a homemade lantern parade 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. 16-22.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor September 15, 2024

The outside N.Y.U Langone Health’s main campus.

NYU Langone opens 2 walk-in primary care locations

The new sites aim to provide easily accessible medical services to adults without routine physicians.
Mariapaula Gonzalez and Rory Lustberg September 12, 2024

NYU Langone Health launched its first non-emergent walk-in care program last month with the opening of two primary care facilities. The Care on Demand sites, located in the...

A facade with no signage.

Starbucks leaves Astor Place after almost 30 years in business

The location served as a hub for union advocacy among Starbucks baristas and members of the NYU community.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Deputy News Editor September 10, 2024

Improved benefits, wages and working conditions for employees were among the key demands of NYU students and faculty who have protested outside the Starbucks location on Astor...

Hundreds of protesters march down a road with signs and Palestinian flags.

Students and faculty join hun​dreds in citywide pro-Palestinian march on Labor Day

As the academic year begins, students and faculty continue to demand that NYU divest from companies with ties to Israel and shut down its study away site in Tel Aviv.
Liyana Illyas and Mariapaula Gonzalez September 3, 2024

Dozens of NYU students and faculty from the People’s Solidarity Coalition and other on-campus organizations joined hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in a march across...

A group of people wearing purple and pink shirts hold signs with the letters “N,” “Y” and “U” under the Washington Square Arch.

Summer recap: What you missed on campus since May

A student sues roommate for stealing over $50,000 in luxury items, a $6 million donation for artificial intelligence research and more news around campus you missed over the last few months.

As you prepare for the new academic year, here is some news around NYU that you may have missed over summer break.  Student sues roommate for stealing over $50,000 in luxury...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Protesters set up Gaza Solidarity Encampment outside Paulson Center

The encampment is the second to be organized on campus, after the first was swept by police Monday evening.

This is a developing story, check back for updates. Update, 12:18 a.m., April 27 An unidentified speaker announced to the encampment that remaining protesters — of which...

(Lianna O'Grady for WSN)

Students and faculty set up pro-Palestinian encampment at Gould Plaza

The demonstration follows similar encampments at Columbia University and Yale University, where student protesters have been arrested.

This is a developing story, check back for updates. Update, 3:50 a.m., April 23 Arrested protesters are being released from NYPD headquarters downtown in groups of two to...

Police officers in what look like biker helmets stand around the entrance to a subway station. Behind them, people are marching. One person holds a small Palestinian flag, and two hold up posters.

NYU students join hundreds at Columbia pro-Palestinian encampment

More than 100 student protesters were arrested at the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University on Thursday afternoon. NYU students and faculty were reportedly not among those arrested.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer April 19, 2024

The New York City Police Department arrested over 100 students during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University yesterday, where NYU students joined hundreds at the...

Students gathered in the Paulson Center lobby with a sign saying “N.Y.U. HAS BLOOD ON ITS HANDS” in black and red font with red paint handprints. A Palestinian flag is hanging on the window behind them.

Over 150 hold demonstration outside Paulson, attempt to enter lobby

The university said a student encouraged a group of non-NYU affiliated protesters to enter the building.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer April 2, 2024

More than 150 pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the Paulson Center on Saturday, with a smaller demonstration inside the building’s atrium organized by students...

A protester holds a mock newspaper called “The New York Crimes” with the headline “STOP THE PRESSES! FREE PALESTINE!”

Students protest media coverage of Israel-Hamas war at journalism career fair

A small group of students protested coverage of the war by various news outlets during a career fair hosted by the journalism department.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer April 1, 2024

Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual violence. A group of around 10 students protested the attendance of several major news outlets at a career fair held...

A lecture hall with students sitting in the foreground and two men sitting around a Palestinian flag.

NYU restricts SJP event access, citing admin concerns of ‘contentious speakers’ on college campuses

The university closed public access to a Students for Justice in Palestine event last week, and a similar event was postponed by another student-led organization earlier this month.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer March 14, 2024

NYU restricted access to an event hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine last Thursday due to what an administrator referred to as “events featuring contentious speakers”...

A tall building complex with protruding glass windows under construction. Across the street from the construction site is a row of buildings with brown brick exteriors. The road sign indicates that the building is on Bleecker Street.

NYU’s yearslong history with the Turner Construction Company

The university hired Turner to construct the Paulson Center months after filing a lawsuit against the company accusing it of building faulty flood protections.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer February 20, 2024

Just a few months before NYU hired Turner Construction Company — an international construction services firm based in North America — to build the now-completed Paulson Center,...

To the right there is a sign on a brick wall that reads, ‘New York University School of Law.’ Behind that wall is the entrance of a brick building.

Inside NYU’s Immigrant Rights Clinic

Every year, up to 12 NYU Law students participate in the school’s Immigrant Rights Clinic, where they provide legal representation in immigration cases.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Staff Writer February 13, 2024

Every year, up to 12 second and third-year law students work at the School of Law’s Immigrant Rights Clinic — a yearlong course where students provide legal representation...

(Graphic by Manasa Gudavalli)

A look inside the student government’s budget

NYU’s student government receives an operating budget of around $500,000 every academic year. Last year, it spent the most on Violet 100 programming, conference funding and stipends, with thousands of dollars also put toward a banquet and retreats.
Graylin Lucas and Mariapaula Gonzalez November 29, 2023

The student government budget was around $524,000 last year, with the most money having been spent on the spring spirit week event Violet 100, grants for students to attend conferences...

An illustration of a letter titled "Statement by N.Y.U. M.L.K. Scholars For a Liberated Palestine" displayed on a laptop screen in front of a dark purple background. The first two paragraphs of the letter are enlarged on top of the screen.

MLK Scholars condemn NYU response to Israel-Hamas war, call for shut-down of Tel Aviv site

A group of students in the MLK Scholars program recently signed a letter to President Linda Mills and other administrators criticizing the university’s response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Contributing Writer November 28, 2023

Dozens of students in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars honors program signed a Nov. 13 letter criticizing NYU’s response to the Israel-Hamas war and calling for the university...

Three banners, each reading “Free Palestine,” “Shut Down N.Y.U. Tel Aviv” and “Cease-fire and De-occupy,” hang from the staircases in the Bobst Library.

Pro-Palestinian faculty group hosts teach-in on campus

NYU’s Faculty for Justice in Palestine hosted a discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, Palestinian history and how the university has responded to the conflict.
Mariapaula Gonzalez, Contributing Writer November 13, 2023

Students and faculty discussed the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and expressed solidarity for Palestinian resistance and academic freedom at a teach-in at the Iris...

A portrait of a person with brown and silver hair, wearing long silver earrings.

NYU announces Center for Indigenous Studies, will establish new major

The university’s new center, which is slated to open in spring 2024, will provide a dedicated space for Indigenous students on campus and launch an Indigenous Studies major.
Adrianna Nehme and Mariapaula Gonzalez October 24, 2023

NYU will establish a Center for Indigenous Studies this coming spring, according to a recent announcement from Interim Provost Georgina Dopico. Under the new center, the university...

A bird's-eye-view of Manhattan's skyline.

Study proposes solutions to housing shortages in big cities

A recent study by NYU and Columbia University researchers suggested that many U.S. office spaces could be converted into affordable housing units.
Mariapaula Gonzalez and Salma Badr September 25, 2023

Researchers at NYU and Columbia University found that repurposing vacant offices as affordable living spaces could help alleviate housing issues in major cities, including New...