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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

Mehr Kotval

Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor

Mehr Kotval is a junior at NYU studying Middle Eastern studies and Zoroastrian history. When she’s not in the WSN office, she’s probably listening to Kate Bush, sipping matcha or wandering around museums nodding seriously at art she totally gets. Send matcha recipes or cat pictures to @mehrkotval on Instagram or [email protected]

All content by Mehr Kotval
An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”

Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?

Trump’s second term promises a shutdown of all diversity, equity and inclusion programs — here’s what’s at stake for higher education and what NYU should do in response.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor November 20, 2024

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his administration’s renewed attack on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives could mark a turning point for...

A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.

Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote

Trump courted the “bro” vote, exploiting the resurgence of toxic masculinity online to secure his election victory.
Annie Emans and Mehr Kotval November 19, 2024

On Nov. 5, a sexist rant from Nick Fuentes — a Gen Z right-wing media personality, podcaster and Holocaust denier — went viral, sparking conversations about sexism among young...

A photograph of a building from across the street.

Opinion: NYU needs to provide medication abortions

Many universities have stepped up to provide medication-based abortions on campus. With reproductive rights under constant threat, NYU needs to follow suit.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor November 6, 2024

In the years following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been a slew of assaults on reproductive rights, including numerous states enacting aggressive and restrictive...

A red sign on top of a cardboard box reading “VOTE N.Y.C.” inside of a building.

Opinion: Understanding NYC’s 2024 ballot proposals

This November’s six ballot measures could reshape New York City’s governance — for better and, mostly, for worse. Here’s a breakdown of each so you can make an informed choice.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor November 4, 2024

For New York City residents, there’s more on the chopping block than Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Nov. 5. When entering the voting booth,...

A collage of four book illustrations.

Books beyond Bobst: A novel longlisted for the National Book Award, a book by a trailblazing activist and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Hannah Marr and Tina Nejand September 23, 2024

“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar tells the story of Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian immigrant struggling with sobriety and grief while living...

A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE W/ ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”

Opinion: NYU’s new code of conduct redefines political opposition as discrimination

The university’s updated student conduct policy weaponizes Title VI to stifle criticism of Israel by falsely equating critique of Zionism with antisemitism, a move NYU had claimed will not change existing policies.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor September 3, 2024

On Aug. 22, NYU emailed its student body, asking them to observe changes to its student conduct guidelines, specifically its Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy. Thinly...

A crowd of people holding up signs while marching through Washington Square Park.

A guide to navigating protests on campus

With student demonstrations on the rise, WSN has put together a guide on how to navigate protests — whether you choose to participate, observe or not engage at all.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor August 7, 2024

As you begin your time at NYU, you enter a campus that is a microcosm of global discourse, where passionate activism meets academic inquiry. You’ll encounter a diverse array...

People are standing in front of the Washington Square Arch beneath a large Palestinian flag.

Opinion: The case for closing NYU’s Tel Aviv site

In addition to disregarding humanitarian concerns, NYU’s continued operations in Israel contradict the university’s commitment to academic freedom and equality for all students.
Mehr Kotval, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

WSN’s opinion section strives to publish op-eds, guest essays and letters to the editor that represent voices across the NYU community. If you’re interested in submitting an...

A person sitting in front of a laptop whose screen is displaying a sexual assault prevention training portal.

Opinion: NYU’s sexual respect training is inadequate

In the face of the vast disparities in sex education across states and schools, NYU’s sexual respect training falls short.
Mehr Kotval, Contributing Writer March 6, 2024

Graduating from a high school with abstinence-focused sex education, I felt ill-prepared to navigate the complexities of consent and healthy relationships when I entered college....