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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 Sydney Chan
A street view at night of a tall geometric building with lights shining through the windows.

The names behind NYU’s buildings

From billionaire donors to notorious nightclubs, NYU’s property honors decades of city and school history.
Sydney Chan, Staff Writer December 11, 2024

With a lengthy list of wealthy alumni and real estate in the city’s most historic districts, NYU has no shortage of subjects for its building’s namesakes. But despite their...

Three balconies spiraling up with various art pieces on the walls and people perusing them.

Review: The Guggenheim’s new exhibition teaches a history lesson about a fleeting art movement

Visit “Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930” for Orphism’s enchanting color, and leave with a newfound understanding of the cultural and technological innovations that captivated early 20th-century Paris.
Sydney Chan, Staff Writer December 10, 2024

Geometric shards and sweeping streaks in chromatic hues adorn The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s walls. Upon first glance, the artworks feature no discernible subject for interpretation....

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.

Law school report finds increasing racial disparities in criminal justice system

A report from the Center on Race, Inequality and the Law found that people of color were 32% less likely to be released from incarceration at the early end of their sentence.
Sydney Chan and Nikhil Shah November 27, 2024

An NYU Law report found that people of color are 32% less likely than white individuals to receive an early release from a prison sentence — a number that has starkly risen in...

Several postcards on a shelf. The closest one reads “THE STUDENTS UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED” in block text, with a black and white drawing of people wearing keffiyehs with their arms around each other.

Review: ‘Materials of Solidarity’ visualizes the spirit of student support for Palestine

The exhibition, curated by the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU’s student artist-in-residence Nadine Fattaleh, is showing at 20 Cooper Square.
Sydney Chan and Julia Kim November 8, 2024

“The students united will never be defeated” reads a postcard, the bold letters accompanying a black-and-white illustration of students in keffiyehs. Nearby, a photograph...

“Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service” written on a purple banner on a white building.

Political polarization is increasingly apparent in federal court, NYU and Harvard study finds

Researchers analyzed more than 400,000 cases and found that judges are more likely to reverse rulings made by opposing political affiliates.
Sydney Chan, Contributing Writer October 24, 2024

Researchers at NYU and Harvard University found that federal judges are more likely to appeal rulings made by peers from their opposing political party, regardless of whether the...

Review: ‘Art at the Edge’ promotes coastal resiliency awareness during Climate Week

Review: ‘Art at the Edge’ promotes coastal resiliency awareness during Climate Week

Displayed on South Street Seaport Museum’s Pier 16 during NYC’s Climate Week, a striking triage of art installations beckons public education and advocacy.
Sydney Chan, Contributing Writer October 1, 2024

Against the salt spray of the East River, surrounded by ships and views of the Brooklyn skyline, are three art pieces: a sprawling violent wave, interlacing recycled-plastic tapestries...

In a dim lecture hall, students watch a live video feed of three people at podiums captioned “REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE.”

Over 100 students take one-month course on democracy amid 2024 presidential election

This semester is the first to offer a one-credit class on the history and future of democracy in response to 2024 political elections in 64 countries.
Sydney Chan, Contributing Writer September 25, 2024

More than 100 NYU students are gearing up for this year’s election by taking a course exclusive to this semester that covers the state of democracy and potential strategies to...

Two black display walls with eight photos and descriptions of each.

‘The End of Democracy in Five Acts’ uncovers five countries’ descent into authoritarianism

The current photojournalism exhibition at NYU’s Gallatin Galleries is on display until Oct. 14.
Sydney Chan and Chloe Claytor September 20, 2024

Like a history book taking visual form, “The End of Democracy in Five Acts” beckons its viewer to observe and absorb, featuring intimate snapshots of power, humanity and corruption...

A group of protestors holding various signs outside, many of them reading “STOP THE BILL! TAX THE RICH.”

NYC students petition against NYU and Columbia tax cuts

The group of students is calling for the over $100 million that NYU saves in property tax exemptions to be allocated toward the city’s public universities.
Chloe Claytor and Sydney Chan September 18, 2024

NYU and Columbia University are the largest private landowners in the city, yet collectively save over $320 million on annual property taxes due to exemptions outlined in the New...

An illustration of the side profile of a dark-haired woman in a flowing outfit with the title “ESCAPER” in the bottom left corner.

Review: Sarah Kinsley’s ‘Escaper’ takes listeners on a transcendental exploration of self-discovery

The newest project from singer-songwriter Sarah Kinsley is a majestic soundtrack to life with resonant reckonings on love, friendship and remembrance.
Sydney Chan, Contributing Writer September 17, 2024

It was only fitting that I listened to Sarah Kinsley’s first single for her debut album, “Escaper,” before embarking on an escape of my own — a plane ride. I downloaded...