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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

Victor Porcelli

Victor Porcelli, News Editor

Victor Porcelli is a junior studying Public Policy. He's from Central Jersey, the existence of which he will vehemently defend. Outside of journalism, he likes romcoms and ... he can't think of anything else. He aspires to becoming verified on twitter so follow him @victor_porcelli.

All content by Victor Porcelli
Courtesy of Caroline Manela

BDS Resolution Meets Resistance

Some students studying away at NYU Tel Aviv wrote a letter in response to a resolution that would have NYU sever ties with companies tied to Israel.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor December 3, 2018
Some students studying away at NYU Tel Aviv wrote a letter in response to a resolution that would have NYU sever ties with companies tied to Israel.
The NYU Abu Dhabi campus. (Courtesy of Aizaz Ansari/The Gazelle)

Faculty To Discuss Academic Freedom at NYUAD

Professors hope to take action where they feel NYU’s administration has not in regards to the universities relationship with the United Arab Emirates.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor December 3, 2018
Professors hope to take action where they feel NYU’s administration has not in regards to the universities relationship with the United Arab Emirates.
(via facebook.com)

Student Government Initiatives Gaining Traction, But Not Passed Yet

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 30, 2018
At a Student Senators Council meeting various resolutions, some of which had been introduced as early as mid-September, received updates from the student government president.
Protestors assemble outside the steps of the Long Island City Courthouse. (Staff Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Queens Residents Protest Amazon’s Arrival

Protestors gathered on a rainy Monday afternoon in Long Island City to protest the impending arrival of Amazon's new headquarters.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 27, 2018
Protestors gathered on a rainy Monday afternoon in Long Island City to protest the impending arrival of Amazon's new headquarters.
An aerial view of Shanghai. (Photo by Tony Wu)

$114M of NYU’s Gifts From Donors in China, UAE

Donations from China and the UAE to NYU totaled $114 million from 2012 to 2018.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 26, 2018
Donations from China and the UAE to NYU totaled $114 million from 2012 to 2018.
Student Government Assembly Chairperson Jakiyah Bradley leads a November 2018 town hall on food insecurity. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Town Hall Highlights Few Resources for Food-Insecure International Students

Students affected by food insecurity came together to talk about the scope of the issue and how it is being dealt with at NYU.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 20, 2018
Students affected by food insecurity came together to talk about the scope of the issue and how it is being dealt with at NYU.
A panoramic view of Hollywood, Los Angeles. NYU President Andrew Hamilton has announced that the university will be expanding its presence in Los Angeles. (Photo by Alex Domb)

Steinhardt Sets Sights on LA

With NYU looking to expand in LA, Steinhardt students now hope to take advantage of new opportunities in the City of Angels.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 19, 2018
With NYU looking to expand in LA, Steinhardt students now hope to take advantage of new opportunities in the City of Angels.
Graphic by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

NYU Recipients React to Making Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

Nineteen NYU community members made the list this year.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 19, 2018
Nineteen NYU community members made the list this year.
(via flickr.com)

NYU’s Involvement in Amazon Bid Unclear

NYU President Andrew Hamilton has said the university was “part of the bid” to bring Amazon’s new headquarters to New York City.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 16, 2018
NYU President Andrew Hamilton has said the university was “part of the bid” to bring Amazon’s new headquarters to New York City.
(via findmyclub.nyu.edu)

Club Fest Is Now at Your Fingertips

A team led by a former student has created an app that will allow students to easily connect with clubs that match their interests.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 16, 2018
A team led by a former student has created an app that will allow students to easily connect with clubs that match their interests.
NYU President Andrew Hamilton answers questions at a town hall in November regarding the Being@NYU survey results. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Being@NYU Town Hall Highlights: Faculty Want Money, Students Want Inclusivity

In a presentation to students on the Being@NYU survey conducted by the university, President Andrew Hamilton addressed issues ranging from diversity at NYU, sexual misconduct, Aramark’s prison ties and the potential of a university program in Los Angeles.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 14, 2018
In a presentation to students on the Being@NYU survey conducted by the university, President Andrew Hamilton addressed issues ranging from diversity at NYU, sexual misconduct, Aramark’s prison ties, and the potential of a university program in Los Angeles.
A 50-year-old man was taken out of his home on 210 E. Ninth St. after causing a disturbance and throwing things down onto the street below. (Photo by Pamela Jew)

Man Threatens to Jump From Building Near Alumni Hall

Students near Alumni Residence Hall and the Barney Building stopped in their tracks as cops flooded the area and a landing pad appeared on the sidewalk.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 12, 2018
After a man threatened to jump from his three-story apartment, students near Alumni Residence Hall and the Barney Building stopped in their tracks.
The outside of NYU Langone Medical Center.

NYU to Open New Medical School on Long Island

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 8, 2018
With a shortage of primary care physicians across the country, NYU’s new medical school will exclusively train students for primary-care work.
“Vote Here” signs in multiple languages outside the polling center in Brittany Hall.  (Photo by Alina Patrick)

Democrats Clinch Control of State Senate for the First Time Since 2010

With Democrats in complete control of the New York state government, citizens may see abortion rights formally passed into law, single-payer healthcare and voting and campaign finance reform.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 8, 2018
After Tuesday's elections, New York state Democrats now have control of the state Senate for the first time since 2010.
NYU President Andrew Hamilton speaks at a Fireside Chat event in Kimmel on Nov. 6, 2018. Hamilton announced at the event that NYU will open a new campus in Los Angeles.

NYU to Open Los Angeles Campus

At a fireside chat with administrators, Hamilton cited a large number of students already in Los Angeles as why Los Angeles makes sense to be NYU's next site.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 6, 2018
At a fireside chat with administrators, Hamilton cited a large number of students already in Los Angeles as why Los Angeles makes sense to be NYU's next site.
A protest regarding transgender rights took place in Union Square Park on Friday. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Transgender Activists Protest Trump, Prepare to Vote

With a push to rollback Obama-era policies that had expanded transgender rights, activists are protesting Trump and looking to elect representatives that oppose the possible changes.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 5, 2018
With a push to rollback Obama-era policies that had expanded transgender rights, activists are protesting Trump and looking to elect representatives that oppose the possible changes.
Left to right: Senators-at-Large Rose Asaf and Bayan Abubakr, and Alternate Senator-at-Large Leen Dweik, wearing Keffiyehs, or scarfs to show solidarity with Palestine. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Student Introduces BDS Resolution, to Vote by Secret Ballot

Divesting from pro-Israel corporations that violate Palestinian rights could harm Tandon students job prospects.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 2, 2018
Divesting from pro-Israel corporations that violate Palestinian rights could harm Tandon students job prospects.
A float from this year's NYC Halloween Parade. (Photo by Tony Wu)

New Yorkers Let Loose at Packed Halloween Parade

At the annual New York City Village Halloween Parade, WSN met a queen from Colombia, Bob and Linda Belcher and a cotton candy-costumed foodie.
Victor Porcelli and Meghna Maharishi October 31, 2018
At the annual New York City Village Halloween Parade, WSN met a queen from Colombia, Bob and Linda Belcher and a cotton candy-costumed foodie.
President Andy Hamilton delivered a remark before the Being@NYU results presentation on April 24 in Kimmel Rosenthal.

Professors Spar With NYU Over Self-Expression on BDS

Students, professors and administrators react after the university released a statement about the 30-club boycott of NYU Tel Aviv.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 31, 2018

NYU’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors came out in support of University of Michigan academics who have declined to write letters of recommendation...

A demonstration of the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality technology in motion capturing. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Alter Reality With Tandon’s New VR Hub

RLab, as the virtual and augmented reality hub is called, is backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 25, 2018
The Brooklyn Navy Yard is now home to a hub for virtual and augmented reality that will be run by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
Courtesy of Caroline Manela

30 NYU Clubs Pledge ‘Non-Cooperation’ With NYU Tel Aviv

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 23, 2018
Various clubs throughout campus pledge against NYU Tel Aviv in solidarity with Palestinian liberation efforts.
Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro discusses issues in current US administration and the state of American opportunity with NPR Latino USA Anchor Maria Hinojosa in a Brennan Center public conversation on Tuesday. (Photo by Tony Wu)

Potential 2020 Presidential Candidate Speaks at NYU Law

Robert Coventry, and Victor Porcelli October 18, 2018
A potential 2020 Presidential contender spoke at NYU Tuesday.
Activists protest against NYU hosting an event at Stern featuring former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. (Photo by Tony Wu)

Henry Kissinger Told to ‘Rot in Hell,’ Disrupted Four Times During Talk at Stern

Sarah Jackson and Victor Porcelli October 16, 2018
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's visit to NYU Stern sparked protests from campus activists.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement hopes to end support for Israel until the country ends occupation of Palestinian territory. (via bdsmovement.net)

BDS Resolution Alarms Pro-Israel Groups

NYU microcosm of the Israeli-Palestinian debate.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 15, 2018
After the announcement that a resolution will appear in the student senate encouraging NYU to Border, Divest and Sanction Israel, pro-Israel student groups react.
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will be speaking at the Stern School of Business on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. (Collage by Katie Peurrung; photos via flickr.com and Jake Quan)

Students Condemn ‘War Criminal’ Kissinger

Kissinger is slated to speak at the Stern School of Business on Tuesday.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 15, 2018
Stern will host controversial figure and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, to the displeasure of many student activist groups who consider him a war criminal.
The logo of NYU's Student Government. (Courtesy of NYU Student Government)

Student Senators Continue Efforts to Divest From Israel With New Proposal

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 12, 2018

As part of the international movement supporting Palestinian rights, student senators will bring forward a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions resolution to student government on...

Scaffolding is raised along West 4th Street around Bobst Library. (Photo by Tony Wu)

Construction on West 4th to End in November — Before Resuming in Spring

Wake me up when November ends.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 9, 2018
Wake me up when November ends.
Paul Romer, a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Economics. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Economics

Paul Romer was honored for his work in "integrating technological innovations into long-run macroeconomic analysis."
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 8, 2018
Professor of Economics Paul Romer won the Nobel Prize in Economics on Monday — the first to win such an award in seven years.
President Hamilton Talks Avital Ronell, Trustees at University Senate Meeting

President Hamilton Talks Avital Ronell, Trustees at University Senate Meeting

Campus leaders convened Thursday for the first University Senate meeting of the 2018-2019 academic year.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor October 5, 2018
Campus leaders convened Thursday for the first University Senate meeting of the 2018-2019 academic year.
An IEC protestor's sign in the Kimmel Center for University Life on Wednesday.

With Its Contract Expiring, Student Activists Advocate for End to Aramark

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 26, 2018
On Wednesday, student activists from the Incarceration to Education Coalition were protesting NYU’s involvement with Aramark on the steps of the Kimmel.
An installation made from death certificates of people who died from police brutality.

Pop-up Museum Spotlights NYPD Failings

A new pop-up museum near campus hopes to bring attention to broken-windows policing.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 24, 2018
A new pop-up museum near campus hopes to bring attention to the questionable policing method called Broken Windows policing, and is hosted by the NYCLU.
(From left to right) Ben Zinevich, Rose Asaf, Leen Dweik and Bayan Abubakr.

How Freedom of Information Could Look at NYU

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 17, 2018
The Student Senate Council recently proposed a resolution that would make information about NYU's financial records and more accessible to students.
(From left to right) Ben Zinevich, Rose Asaf, Leen Dweik and Bayan Abubakr.

Student Senators Take Another Shot At Board of Trustees Transparency

After resolutions for student and faculty representation on the board were rejected in July, Student Senators are proposing a new way to increase transparency.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 13, 2018
After resolutions for student and faculty representation on the board were rejected in July, Student Senators are proposing a new way to increase transparency.
Words from the Declaration of Independence are now etched on walls of the station.

Photo: 17 Years After 9/11, Cortlandt St. Station Reopens

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 11, 2018

Words from the Declaration of Independence are now etched on walls of the station.

The exterior of Rubin Residence Hall, which is NYU's lowest cost first-year residence hall due to its absence of air conditioning.

Rubin Will Cool Down — In Three Years

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 10, 2018
The lack of AC in Rubin Hall has caused problems for students, especially with recent heat waves, but soon Rubin may be in for renovations.
Food Insecurity Programs Serve Only ‘Tip of the Iceberg’

Food Insecurity Programs Serve Only ‘Tip of the Iceberg’

Due to fears of overuse, an NYU program meant to address food insecurity has been kept quiet.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor September 10, 2018
Due to fears of overuse, an NYU program meant to address food insecurity has been kept quiet.
Rubin residents lie on temporary cots during the heat wave.

Heat Wave Displaces Rubin Hall Residents

Rubin Hall residents were temporarily moved to cots during the heat wave.
Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor August 29, 2018
New York City is in the midst of a heat wave with temperatures in the mid-90s. Rubin Residence Hall, infamous for its lack of air conditioning, is asking residents to sleep in other residence halls or the air-conditioned study lounge for the hot night ahead.
Courtyard of the Brennan Center at NYU Law

Brennan Center Sues U.S. Department of Justice

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor August 26, 2018
The Brennan center sues the Justice Department for information regarding voter registration.
On Transferring to NYU

On Transferring to NYU

Victor Porcelli, Deputy Opinion Editor April 30, 2018
I had a unique first year experience, having transferred midyear and being inserted into an upperclassman dorm.
Elitist Policies Surrounding Stern

Elitist Policies Surrounding Stern

Victor Porcelli, Deputy Opinion Editor April 24, 2018
Elitism in the Stern School of Business should not be ignored. This attitude allows for toxic superiority culture.
Cynthia Nixon Embodies Worrying Trend

Cynthia Nixon Embodies Worrying Trend

Victor Porcelli, Deputy Opinions Editor April 20, 2018
With more and more celebrities considering running for political office, it is time to reexamine our standards for elected officials.
First-Years: Internships Don’t Matter

First-Years: Internships Don’t Matter

Victor Porcelli, Deputy Opinions Editor April 13, 2018
Many first year students believe they should get an internship as soon as possible, but in reality it's better to wait.
Slack Chat: How can student activists better leverage NYU?

Slack Chat: How can student activists better leverage NYU?

Tyler Crews, Natasha Roy and Victor Porcelli April 13, 2018
Three WSN Editors debate NYU's response to the recent NYU SLAM and NYU Divest Kimmel Occupation.
Big Data, Big Problems

Big Data, Big Problems

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer April 8, 2018
Big Data is proving to be a threat to our democracy, but it also has the power to be a force for good.
Autonomy or Loneliness? Dealing with the Independent Culture of NYU

Autonomy or Loneliness? Dealing with the Independent Culture of NYU

Being an NYU student can be lonely at times, but living in the city can also be an opportunity to become more independent.
Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer April 6, 2018
With NYU's large population and lack of campus and school spirit, students often encounter independence that teeters between autonomy and loneliness.
Society Favors Extroverts

Society Favors Extroverts

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer April 2, 2018
Introverts are more likely to mold themselves into extroverts to compete for jobs.
Which Lives March for Our Lives Is Missing

Which Lives March for Our Lives Is Missing

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer March 26, 2018
Mental heath advocates are a missing but necessary voice in the fight against gun violence.
General Education As a Juice Cleanse

General Education As a Juice Cleanse

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer March 22, 2018
The potential benefits of NYU adopting a three-year bachelor's program outweigh the costs.
Don’t Censor Lil Yachty

Don’t Censor Lil Yachty

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer March 19, 2018
While in the Palladium gym, I noticed peculiar censorship of Lil' Yachty lyrics in D.R.A.M.'s "Broccoli," and pondered the implications of such a practice.
Companies Have Values, Just like People

Companies Have Values, Just like People

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer March 6, 2018
Should companies have a voice in politics? Despite current objections, the answer is yes. Companies have values and the right to free speech, just as citizens do.
Georgia’s Unjust Spiritual Shield

Georgia’s Unjust Spiritual Shield

Victor Porcelli, Staff Writer March 4, 2018
The Georgia SB-375 bill utilizes religion as an excuse to discriminate, reducing same-sex couples to second-class citizens.
School Spirit, Only $5

School Spirit, Only $5

Victor Porcelli February 26, 2018
NYU students lack school spirit. Placing a price tag on Spirit Week Events does not help.
Don’t Discredit This Opinion

Don’t Discredit This Opinion

Victor Porcelli, Contributing Writer February 20, 2018
We as humans rely on our ability to interpret, perceive and infer in our everyday lives. So why are opinions –– an extension of this interpretation –– seen as unnecessary?
The Wealth Gap and Canada’s Golden Goose

The Wealth Gap and Canada’s Golden Goose

Victor Porcelli, Contributing Writer February 16, 2018
The wealth gap is steadily increasing in the United States, as is interest in luxury fashion.
Let Woody Allen's 'A Rainy Day in New York' See the Light of Day

Let Woody Allen’s ‘A Rainy Day in New York’ See the Light of Day

Victor Porcelli, Contributing Writer February 2, 2018
Despite resurfacing sexual assault allegations, Amazon Studios should uphold it's contract to release Woody Allen's "A Rainy Day in New York."
Adulthood Begins at 24

Adulthood Begins at 24

Victor Porcelli, Contributing Writer January 31, 2018
The age of adulthood should be increased to 24 years old.
Ansari Heard ‘Yes’ When She Didn’t Say ‘No’

Ansari Heard ‘Yes’ When She Didn’t Say ‘No’

Victor Porcelli, Contributing Writer January 29, 2018
The situation surrounding Aziz Ansari provides the perfect opportunity for us to clearly define sexual assault and consent. When someone does not say no, it doesn't mean yes.