Skip to Main Content
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 WSN Editorial Board
An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."

Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.

The results of the 2024 presidential election are unnerving and distressing — but as students, it’s important for us to harness these feelings and exercise defiance in the face of defeat.
WSN Editorial Board November 7, 2024

Many of us went to bed Tuesday night feeling weary and woke up Wednesday morning nauseous. Some of us didn’t go to bed at all. After the last four months of hope for a brighter...

An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”

Editorial: Think globally, vote locally

The presidential race may steal the spotlight, but the impact of local elections on our daily lives is undeniable. Stay informed and make your vote count where it matters most.
WSN Editorial Board October 24, 2024

As college students, we consume media related to this year’s presidential election on a daily basis. It’s everywhere — in our classrooms, on social media, in our news outlets....

NYU students gather for a vigil in Washington Square Park mourning the loss of life in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in New York.

Editorial: NYU needs to talk about Lebanon. Publicly.

The university has a rich history of speaking out against global injustices. Where is it now when hundreds have been killed in Lebanon?
WSN Editorial Board September 29, 2024

On Feb. 24, 2022, former NYU president Andrew Hamilton condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In fact, he didn’t just condemn it — he called it an “unwarranted and unprovoked...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image

In a bid to keep pro-Palestinian protests at bay, NYU is putting up physical barriers to limit congregation, an attempt to keep student activism out of view — and out of headlines.
WSN Editorial Board September 26, 2024

NYU’s crackdown on student and faculty protests in the past academic year has demonstrated a clear aversion to on-campus expression, specifically as it pertains to the ongoing...

(Samson Tu for WSN)

Editorial: NYU must reckon with its actions at Gould Plaza

The arrests at Gould Plaza three days ago are proof NYU has failed to engage with its community.
WSN Editorial Board April 25, 2024

For several months now, student and faculty protesters have been caught in a constant back-and-forth with NYU. Dozens or even hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators would set...

A graphic with three strips of excerpts from a lawsuit document against a background of players competing on a volleyball court. The court has the logo of N.Y.U. Athletics in the middle.

Editorial: NYU, why didn’t you call Robinson’s foul?

Former Athletics Director Stuart Robinson’s hiring displays a concerning disregard for the safety of students and staff on the university’s part.
WSN Editorial Board September 29, 2023

Content warning: This article discusses sexual and verbal harassment. In the past week, WSN has reported on multiple allegations of sexual harassment against former NYU Athletics...

Inside a New York City polling site. A red "Vote N.Y.C." sign in the foreground, and a polling booth in the background.

Editorial: New York needs you to vote tomorrow

Midterm elections are important, and New York residents have an opportunity to cast their ballots tomorrow. They shouldn’t waste it.
WSN Editorial Board November 7, 2022

Tomorrow is Election Day. If you’re not a New York resident, you’ve probably already registered to vote in your home state and sent in your absentee ballot. But...

Protesters walk down University Place holding large signs that read “N.Y.U. OWES ADJUNCTS” and “UNION POWER.”

Editorial: NYU’s adjunct union tentative contract shouldn’t have taken this long

NYU and its adjunct union have finally reached a tentative agreement, but it took a threat to strike to get there.
WSN Editorial Board November 2, 2022

The union representing NYU’s adjunct faculty, ACT-UAW Local 7902, finally reached a tentative contract with the university early Tuesday morning after six months...

A man reading the October 4, 2022, edition of The New York Times. The newspaper headline reads “N.Y.U. Students Were Failing Class. The Professor Lost His Job.”

Editorial: The New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete.

An article published in the New York Times on Monday discussed the firing of Maitland Jones Jr., a renowned chemistry professor. The article, however, gravely misrepresented NYU students.
WSN Editorial Board October 5, 2022

On Monday, The New York Times published a news article about the firing of a renowned professor from NYU’s organic chemistry program this summer. Maitland Jones...

A masked student sits in an NYU common area. She is surrounded by tables, chairs and a foosball table.

Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isn’t the time to be idle

COVID-19 still poses a substantial risk. Keeping up with masking and testing is critical for ensuring the safety of others.
WSN Editorial Board September 26, 2022

A protester holding up a sign saying “NYU + Sabatini = Disgrace” in front of the NYU Langone Health Center. A black-and-white headshot of Sabatini is superimposed on the left.

Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. Reject Sabatini.

Hiring biologist David Sabatini would display a gross disregard for sexual assault survivors on the part of NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine.
WSN Editorial Board May 2, 2022

Content warning: This article mentions sexual harrassment and abuse. A history of sexual harassment. Pushed out of three institutions following allegations of sexual misconduct....

Three NYPD officers in their dark blue uniforms congregating in the middle of the road appear to be discussing something. The officers are flanked by legal personnel dressed in suits on each side.

Editorial: Don’t throw more money at the failing NYPD

The NYPD’s response to the Brooklyn subway shooting showed once again that they don’t keep us safe. It’s time to pursue other options.
WSN Editorial Board April 18, 2022

Tuesday’s tragic shooting in a Brooklyn subway car stoked anxiety and fear in many New Yorkers who rely on the subway system to travel across the city. After a gunman detonated...

A crowd of people stand and walk around a park surrounded by city buildings and an arch monument under a clear blue sky.

Editorial: The NY Post is lying to you about homelessness around NYU

The right-wing media wants you to hate unhoused people. Don’t let them egg you on.
WSN Editorial Board April 11, 2022

Infamous right-wing media outlets baselessly demonized unhoused people following a March 28 egging incident on NYU’s campus. The culprit was never identified, but these rags...

An illustration of seven clocks against a pale yellow background. Each clock is set to a different time.

Editorial: Make daylight saving time permanent

The Sunshine Protection Act would bring a much-needed end to the biannual clock switching, placing us permanently on daylight saving time.
WSN Editorial Board March 28, 2022

Two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Called the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill would put an end to the changing...

A cardboard sign with the words “Stop Asian Hate” in pale blue letters held by someone in a crowd of protesters.

Editorial: 6 Asian students were attacked on campus. Why did NYU take weeks to respond?

NYU’s response to attacks on Asian students on its campus has been extremely dismissive. The university must urgently address the safety concerns of Asian students.
WSN Editorial Board March 7, 2022

In February, seven students were assaulted on NYU’s campus. At least four of them were likely assaulted by the same man. Of the four students he attacked initially, three were...

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.

Editorial: Eric Adams needs to house the homeless, not attack them

Mayor Adams wants to make our trains safer by removing unhoused individuals. His plan, unfortunately, relies heavily on policing and other forms of carceral violence.
WSN Editorial Board February 28, 2022

Michelle Go was tragically pushed to her death at a subway station by an unhoused individual on Jan. 15. Her death incited much needed conversations about the rise in crime in...

Average annual transportation costs in New York City exceed $1,000 per student. NYU should work with the MTA to alleviate this financial burden. (Staff Photo by Ryan Walker)

Editorial: Hamilton, implement the SGA’s transportation resolution

By instituting discounted subway fares for the NYU community, the university could do its part to support students in need and provide stimulus to local businesses.
WSN Editorial Board February 14, 2022

Students travel from all over the world to attend NYU, but the university makes no attempt to alleviate the costs of travel within the city. Commuter students are only miles away...

NYU encourages faculty, staff and students to wear KF94, N95 and KN95 masks to combat omicron’s high transmissibility. But the university has yet to provide its community with the masks it recommends. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Editorial: NYU, buy better masks in bulk

In light of the university’s reopening, NYU needs to upgrade the masks that it hands out from surgical to KN95, KF94 and N95s.
WSN Editorial Board February 7, 2022

The world is finally returning to what we've coined "the new normal," reflective of pre-omicron numbers and guidelines — still masked, but more free. In light of the rapidly...

Sitting at center bottom is the current Chief Justice John Roberts. The center-right 67-year-old has been the chief justice of the United States since 2005. (Photo by Fred Schilling, via Wikimedia Commons)

Editorial: Chief Justice Roberts needs to retire

In light of Justice Stephen Breyer announcing his retirement, it’s time for another member of the Supreme Court to follow suit. Chief Justice John Roberts should announce his retirement to allow his seat to be filled before the midterm elections.
WSN Editorial Board January 31, 2022

This year, the Supreme Court will lose a liberal champion. Nominated by former President Bill Clinton in 1994, the retiring Justice Stephen Breyer has been a stalwart defender...

An NYU student is logged on to the school's online learning platform, Brightspace. Brightspace is the central location for course work when students transition to a remote learning environment. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Editorial: NYU should mandate a remote learning option

NYU’s “flexible” plan for in-person learning is flexible in name only. The university should require professors to offer options for remote learning.
WSN Editorial Board January 24, 2022

Earlier this month, omicron positivity rates in New York City hit 500% of last winter’s peak despite wider vaccine availability, higher vaccination rates and mask compliance....

NYU has announced that all need-based financial aid will be fulfilled for the class of 2025. This new policy needs to be extended to all current students. (Photo by Camila Ceballos)

Editorial: NYU should meet 100% demonstrated need for all current students

WSN previously reported that NYU would be meeting the demonstrated financial need of every student in the class of 2025. The new policy should be extended to all current NYU students, not just the students of the future.
WSN Editorial Board December 6, 2021

NYU recently implemented a new financial aid policy for the class of 2025 that intends to meet the full demonstrated financial need of every student — including international...

Gov. Hochul’s administration ended the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The state needs to resume this program with state funding until federal funding can be secured. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Editorial: Hochul should continue funding rent assistance

The New York state government decided to end the Emergency Rental Assistance Program because federal funds are running out. Gov. Kathy Hochul should exhaust state funding while requesting federal assistance to protect the housing insecure.
WSN Editorial Board November 22, 2021

For the past several months, New York has provided rental assistance to state residents struggling during the pandemic. With the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, the state...

New York state Democrats failed to pass initiatives intended to expand voting rights. As a result, barriers to electoral participation will continue to be reinforced. (Photo by Katherine Chan)

Editorial: New York Democrats failed to protect voting rights

New York Republicans launched a well-funded campaign to defeat voting rights ballot initiatives. Democrats did not respond with the same effort or coordination. As a result, barriers to electoral participation, particularly for young people, will be upheld.
WSN Editorial Board November 15, 2021

New York Democrats failed to launch a coordinated campaign to protect voting rights through ballot Proposals 3 and 4 this November, leading to their rejection by voters. As New...

Earlier this year, the NYU Graduate Student Organization Committee secured a pay and benefits increase from the university after three weeks of protesting unfair compensation. Students from other universities who are going on strike deserve our solidarity in their fight for fair pay. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Editorial: Support graduate student union strikes

From the Ivy League to the West Coast, graduate student workers are going on strike because of low pay and meager benefits. Graduate union strikes deserve our solidarity as they pave the way for labor struggles nationwide.
WSN Editorial Board November 8, 2021

Earlier this year, NYU’s graduate student strike shocked the nation. After three weeks of more than 2,200 grad student union members joining together to protest unfair compensation,...

Last week, the NYU board of trustees announced the addition of three new board members with little notice to students. Despite the major role they play in overseeing the university, the board is not transparent to the student body. (Photo by Sayer Devlin)

Editorial: The NYU board of trustees must become more transparent 

In light of the recent appointment of three new trustees on Oct. 18, NYU’s board of trustees should improve its transparency. 
WSN Editorial Board October 25, 2021

On Oct. 18, NYU announced that Terri Burns, David Ko and Traci Lerner have joined the board of trustees. This announcement was made with little fanfare — the three newest trustees...

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has called on wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions. As an investor in the fossil fuel industry himself, his actions contradict his rhetoric. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Editorial: Larry Fink is a climate hypocrite

By calling on nations to reduce carbon emissions, but holding investments in fossil fuel corporations through BlackRock, NYU trustee Larry Fink fails to put his money where his mouth is.
WSN Editorial Board October 18, 2021

NYU trustee and BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink wrote an op-ed in The New York Times last Wednesday arguing that wealthy countries must continue to invest more money in green infrastructure....

Students in a classroom attend in-person classes with limited safety precautions. NYU needs to provide virtual class options for students who cannot attend campus due to COVID restrictions. (Photo by Manaal Shareh)

Editorial: NYU must expand virtual attendance options

Although we’re making progress in the fight against COVID-19, it is essential that virtual attendance options are available to the NYU student body.
WSN Editorial Board October 4, 2021

Students received some revolutionary advice from a wise and ever-helpful NYU Returns email on Sept. 30: stay home if they feel sick and report any symptoms to the NYU COVID-19...

The wait time to mental health support at NYU Student Health Center may be up to a month, an issue for student victims of sexual assault. Sexual assaults of NYU students on and off campus have been the center of discussion and prevention. (Photo by George Papazov)

Opinion: Recent gropings highlight NYU’s weak approach to sexual misconduct

In light of this semester’s string of serial gropings, serious changes must be made to NYU’s sexual harassment policy.
WSN Editorial Board September 20, 2021

Content warning: This article discusses sexual harassment and sexual assault. The recent attacks by a suspected serial groper who sexually assaulted 10 people, including four...

NYU’s board of trustees includes an election conspiracist and a CEO who profits from immigrant detention. These people, among others on the board, contradict NYU’s self-proclaimed diversity and progressivism. (Images via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU’s board of trustees contradicts the university’s mission of inclusivity

Election conspiracists, CEOs who profit from immigrant detention, and other proponents of inequality have no place leading NYU. These trustees should be removed from office.
WSN Editorial Board September 13, 2021

The presence of an election conspiracist and the CEO of an investment firm with massive holdings in private prison and immigration concentration camp operators proves that the...

Scott Stringer, Comptroller of NYC is currently running for mayor. Recent sexual misconduct allegations make him unfit for office. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Editorial: Scott Stringer is wrong for New York City

Recent allegations have come to light about New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer sexually harassing a former employee. His conduct makes him unfit for office, and he should resign as comptroller and drop out of the race.
WSN Editorial Board May 3, 2021

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault. Jean Kim held a press conference on April 30. In this conference, Kim alleged that her former boss, Scott...

Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang’s vow to crackdown on unlicensed food vendors in NYC was widely met with pushback across the board. (Photo by Suhail Gharaibeh)

Editorial: Protect New York’s street vendors

Andrew Yang presented a dangerous and misleading narrative that unlicensed street vendors pose a threat to New York City. The opposite is true: City Council has failed the vulnerable, struggling vendors who make the city what it is.
WSN Editorial Board April 26, 2021

A recent tweet from mayoral candidate Andrew Yang recently made headlines, declaring “You know what I hear over and over again - that NYC is not enforcing rules against unlicensed...

NYU must do more to help low-income students

NYU must do more to help low-income students

NYU proudly boasted record levels of diversity for the newly admitted class of 2025. However, the university will continue to fall short of creating a truly accessible institution without committing to meet 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need.
WSN Editorial Board April 12, 2021

Each year, NYU touts accepting their most diverse class ever, admitting a myriad of international students, first-generation college-attendees and students from underrepresented...

NYU needs to combat the bystander effect

NYU needs to combat the bystander effect

The recent rise of anti-Asian hate crimes has highlighted how dangerous it is to be a bystander in times of crisis. NYU must do more to combat this violence through more robust bystander intervention training.
WSN Editorial Board April 5, 2021

On Monday, March 29, three men at a luxury apartment complex in midtown Manhattan watched as an assailant beat and kicked 65-year-old Vilma Kari on the sidewalk outside. A man...

Cuomo is unfit for Governor

Cuomo is unfit for Governor

Gov. Cuomo disregarded the health of his constituents to maintain his reputation. It’s time to impeach him.
WSN Editorial Board March 29, 2021

CW: Sexual harassment. A New York Times investigation published on March 4 revealed that an NYU Law professor was complicit in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s cover-up of nursing home...

Hate crimes against Asian Americans deserve better media coverage

Hate crimes against Asian Americans deserve better media coverage

The coverage of the Atlanta killings alludes to a broader issue in reporting on hate crimes against Asian Americans.
WSN Editorial Board March 22, 2021

Earlier this week, eight people tragically lost their lives in an Atlanta-area massage business shooting rampage. Six of the victims were women of Asian descent and the killer...

NYU Continues To Fail Black Students

NYU Continues To Fail Black Students

NYU’s silence on Breonna Taylor’s murder suggests that the university still refuses to fully stand in solidarity with Black students despite claiming to support them.
WSN Editorial Board September 27, 2020

This past week, thousands of protestors across the country gathered to protest the indictment of the three Louisville Metro Police Department officers involved in the killing of...

NYU Still Needs to Take Action for LGBTQ+ Rights

NYU Still Needs to Take Action for LGBTQ+ Rights

Reflecting back on the 50th anniversary of the Weinstein Hall occupation protesting NYU’s cancellation of gay events on campus, it’s clear that NYU still has a long way to go to fully support the LGBTQ+ community.
WSN Editorial Board September 20, 2020

One year after the Stonewall riots, LGBTQ+ rights activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera organized an occupation of Weinstein Residence Hall in response to NYU’s abrupt...

Hotel Evictions Show NYC’s Disregard For Homeless People’s Needs

Hotel Evictions Show NYC’s Disregard For Homeless People’s Needs

Mayor Bill de Blasio's decision to evict homeless residents from a neighborhood hotel after Upper West Siders threatened to sue the city not only endangers public health, but reflects hostility towards homeless individuals.
WSN Editorial Board September 13, 2020

New York City announced on Tuesday that homeless people staying at The Lucerne Hotel, located in the Upper West Side, will be removed. This move occurred after a weeks-long campaign...

Funding the MTA Is a Necessity

Funding the MTA Is a Necessity

Without federal relief for the MTA, wealthier residents of the city will continue to afford alternatives to public transportation while low-income communities will suffer even more.
WSN Editorial Board September 7, 2020

Since COVID-19 shut the world down in March, millions have faced financial difficulties. The MTA is no exception. In late July, the corporation released a report projecting a $16.2...

Providing Spaces for Black Students Does Not Mean Segregation

Providing Spaces for Black Students Does Not Mean Segregation

Despite arguments made by other publications, establishing a Black themed engagement community in NYU residence halls is not the same as segregation under Jim Crow.
WSN Editorial Board August 30, 2020

As more than 4,700 Black Lives Matter protests took place in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a police officer in June, the Black Violets, a student-led advocacy...

The Consequences of NYU’s Guise of Transparency

The Consequences of NYU’s Guise of Transparency

The university administration’s recent letter on NYU’s financial situation shows an inability to communicate and the consistent neglect of student needs.
WSN Editorial Board May 3, 2020

Friday, May 1 was decision day, when many high school seniors chose where they were going to go to college for the next four years. This year’s day was unprecedented with...

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Must Do More For Its Students

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Must Do More For Its Students

Extending time-to-degree deadlines and funding packages are necessary accommodations for graduate students who have recognized and adapted to the crisis we are in.
WSN Editorial Board April 26, 2020

Last week, the COVID-19 Coalition and NYU’s Graduate Student Organizing Committee hosted a Virtual Week of Action, which sought to raise awareness of the demands brought...

Prioritizing Transparency in Federal Relief Spending

Prioritizing Transparency in Federal Relief Spending

With the CARES Act, NYU will receive around $25 million in grants. The university must be financially transparent with what they do with this money to make sure that it goes to areas that need funding the most.
WSN Editorial Board April 19, 2020

The Department of Education recently released the amount of funding certain universities will receive through the CARES Act — the third installment of the coronavirus stimulus...

New Yorkers Don’t Deserve Petty Politics

New Yorkers Don’t Deserve Petty Politics

The recent feud between Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio shows disunified leadership only hurts coronavirus efforts.
WSN Editorial Board April 12, 2020

On Saturday, April 11, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio closed public schools for the remainder of the academic year due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus as...

Holding Leaders More Accountable in Crisis, Not Less

Holding Leaders More Accountable in Crisis, Not Less

Though some of his actions have been integral to dealing with the coronavirus crisis and should be a good example for other states to follow, many of Governor Cuomo’s policies in both the past and the present have been harmful to the state’s efforts.
WSN Editorial Board April 5, 2020

During this time of crisis, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has become a figure of admiration for many Americans looking for a dependable political authority to feel protected....

The Principled Necessity of Tuition Reimbursement

The Principled Necessity of Tuition Reimbursement

With the transition to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, NYU students deserve a tuition refund.
WSN Editorial Board March 29, 2020

On Monday, March 16, NYU President Andrew Hamilton announced the university would be transitioning to online classes due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. On the same day,...

NYU’s Evictions Show Its Disregard for Students’ Needs

NYU’s Evictions Show Its Disregard for Students’ Needs

The closure of residence halls last week showed that, yet again, NYU has failed to put the interests of its students first.
WSN Editorial Board March 23, 2020

Last Monday, NYU President Andrew Hamilton sent out a letter to the student body about the closure of residence halls and the transition to online classes for the rest of the semester....

Expanding Accessibility to Paid Sick Leave

Expanding Accessibility to Paid Sick Leave

With the rapid spread of the coronavirus, expanding New York City’s access to paid sick leave should be a priority to protect the general public and the low-wage workers.
WSN Editorial Board March 8, 2020

Over the past week, the number of coronavirus cases in New York State has risen, leading Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare a state of emergency. As more cases are diagnosed, the...

The Slow Progress of the Plastic Bag Ban

The Slow Progress of the Plastic Bag Ban

Though New York’s recent ban on single-use plastic bags is well-intentioned, it doesn’t do enough to solve the plastics crisis in the state.
WSN Editorial Board March 2, 2020

Yesterday, New York State’s ban on single-use plastic bags officially went into effect. It was implemented after the state legislature voted to include the ban in this year’s...

Hidden Disabilities and NYU’s Failure to Accommodate

Hidden Disabilities and NYU’s Failure to Accommodate

The Moses Center’s documentation policies for disability support isn’t good enough for those with hidden disabilities.
WSN Editorial Board February 24, 2020

According to the Department of Education, hidden disabilities are “physical or mental impairments that are not readily apparent to others. They include such conditions and diseases...

Confronting the Contradiction of NYU Abu Dhabi

Confronting the Contradiction of NYU Abu Dhabi

After ten years of labor violations and restricted academic freedom in NYUAD, it is the responsibility of individual schools and departments to cut ties with the campus.
WSN Editorial Board February 18, 2020

The year 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of NYU Abu Dhabi’s campus. To celebrate, the university is planning various events that give members of the community the opportunity...

Incompetence and Disaster in the Democratic Party

Incompetence and Disaster in the Democratic Party

After the disaster of the Iowa Democratic caucuses and the Senate’s acquittal of President Trump, it is clear that the Democratic Party is too incompetent to be an important force against the president and the Republican Party.
WSN Editorial Board February 10, 2020

On Feb. 6, President Trump was acquitted of his impeachment charges by the United States Senate. This was after the House of Representatives impeached him over a whistleblower’s...

Interpreting Silence: What NYU's Low Title IX Complaints Mean

Interpreting Silence: What NYU’s Low Title IX Complaints Mean

Data released on Title IX complaints in New York State have statistics that show NYU, and other universities, have serious distrust issues with its student body, as well as the fact that the administration refuses to address the problem.
WSN Editorial Board February 3, 2020

On Jan. 27, the New York State Education Department released its data report on Title IX complaints from college campuses across the state. It is a result of the “Enough is Enough”...

The University’s Place in the Climate Crisis

The University’s Place in the Climate Crisis

The discussions at Davos in the midst of the Australian wildfires is a reminder of why university students should be among those in the fight against the ravaging of the earth.
WSN Editorial Board January 27, 2020

Wildfires have raged in Australia since Jul. 2019, killing 28 people and millions of animals. They have burned through the continent with about 12.35 million acres of land damaged,...

A Semester in Review: NYU Continues to Prioritize Itself Over Students

A Semester in Review: NYU Continues to Prioritize Itself Over Students

Our editorial board looks back at the most important issues of the semester. From protecting abusers to neglecting its dining facilities, our university continues to ignore key student concerns in favor of its own priorities.
WSN Editorial Board December 2, 2019

Throughout the semester, we’ve been trying to understand NYU’s treatment of its students — more specifically, whether NYU is implicitly pro- or anti-student. A pro-student...

How NYU Wellness Sees Itself — and Why That Image Is Wrong

How NYU Wellness Sees Itself — and Why That Image Is Wrong

After recently promoting a questionably-sourced article on the Student Health Center, NPR has misrepresented NYU’s wellness resources, failing to recognize student voices.
WSN Editorial Board November 25, 2019

On Thursday, NPR tweeted out an article by WGBH News, a Boston-based radio station, calling NYU’s wellness services “a national model.” The article, the final part of a four-part...

Can We Move on From a Recurring Tragedy?

Can We Move on From a Recurring Tragedy?

Following three shootings this past weekend, it’s hard to maintain hope for a better future and even harder to move forward.
WSN Editorial Board November 18, 2019

Like so many others, this past weekend was defined by gun violence. On Thursday, a student murdered two of his classmates at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, CA. On Friday,...

Courtesy Meals Shouldn’t Come at a Price

Courtesy Meals Shouldn’t Come at a Price

Students were outraged after their financial aid was used for Courtesy Meals, which were initially promoted as free. Despite NYU's claim it has corrected the issue, the quiet charges are telling of how the university treats lower-income students.
WSN Editorial Board November 11, 2019

Students recently reported having financial aid, previously awarded for scholarships or work-study, be redistributed to pay for usage of the Courtesy Meals Program — which provides...

Stand With LS Professors, Even if NYU Won’t

Stand With LS Professors, Even if NYU Won’t

Professors hope to unionize for better working conditions in the university’s second-largest undergraduate program. NYU students, LS or otherwise, must hold the university accountable.
WSN Editorial Board November 4, 2019

Last week, professors within the Liberal Studies program confirmed that they’re looking to unionize due to dissatisfaction with their treatment by the university. The LS faculty...

NYU’s Artificial Affordability Issue

NYU’s Artificial Affordability Issue

Despite making affordability a primary issue in his administration, financial decisions made by the university — particularly Hamilton’s annual income — reflect the deep hypocrisy of NYU’s affordability campaign.
WSN Editorial Board October 28, 2019

Since beginning his tenure as NYU’s president, Andrew Hamilton has stated that making the university affordable is his top priority. This has manifested in a number of ways —...

The Ethical Dilemma of NYU’s Board of Trustees

The Ethical Dilemma of NYU’s Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees sets the rules for NYU and its community. But are the trustees following their own rules?
WSN Editorial Board October 21, 2019

NYU’s Board of Trustees has the final say on all university decisions. Despite being a mysterious body, largely detached from the day-to-day of university life, the Board’s...

Why Doesn’t NYU Release a Full  Financial Report?

Why Doesn’t NYU Release a Full Financial Report?

NYU’s 2017 income tax returns reveal an incomplete picture of the university’s finances. To show students where their tuition goes, NYU should release an annual financial report, starting with the fiscal year of 2017.
WSN Editorial Board October 15, 2019

NYU’s recently published 2017 tax returns show that the university has made some questionable financial decisions — like overpaying former university administrators and underfunding...

NYU Is Neglecting Students’ Health With Dining Hall Failures

NYU Is Neglecting Students’ Health With Dining Hall Failures

By choosing to not tell its students about health code violations at Palladium Food Court, NYU has put the health of its community at risk.
WSN Editorial Board October 7, 2019

On Tuesday, WSN reported that Palladium Food Court had failed a health inspection. The inspection, conducted by New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, found...

What Does Impeachment Really Mean?

What Does Impeachment Really Mean?

The House of Representatives has begun the impeachment process against President Trump. But why now?
WSN Editorial Board September 30, 2019

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry on Tuesday into President Donald Trump. Pelosi, who has long believed that impeachment was too divisive a process...

GSOC’s Newest Fight for Survival

GSOC’s Newest Fight for Survival

Following a new National Labor Relations Board rule, graduate students’ right to organize is at stake. What does this mean for graduate student organizers in NYU’s Graduate Student Organizing Committee?
WSN Editorial Board September 23, 2019

On Friday, the National Labor Relations Board proposed redefining graduate students as nonworkers, effectively stripping them of their right to unionize. The proposal wouldn’t...

NYU Is Protecting Abusers

NYU Is Protecting Abusers

By rehiring Professor Avital Ronell and keeping Michael Steinhardt on the Board of Trustees, the university has sided with perpetrators of sexual misconduct.
WSN Editorial Board September 16, 2019

After an investigation that lasted less than five months found billionaire and NYU trustee Michael Steinhardt made inappropriate comments to students, NYU’s Board of Trustees...

Why Is NYU Hiding Its Resources?

Why Is NYU Hiding Its Resources?

By choosing not to advertise programs they’ve created to help their students, NYU shows that they’re not as committed to solutions as they say they are.
WSN Editorial Board September 8, 2019

Most NYU students know the phone number of the Wellness Exchange, the successful result of an intense and consistent advertising campaign to make sure students are aware of the...

Overcoming Oppression Through Corrective Education

Overcoming Oppression Through Corrective Education

In the midst of our current confrontation with white nationalist terror, we must use our position at a university to reconcile our past and work towards a better future.
WSN Editorial Board August 24, 2019

Last June and July were the hottest months ever recorded around the world, and with that heat came a wave of unrelenting violence inspired by bigotry. Recent shootings in California,...

A Semester in Review

A Semester in Review

The Editorial Board reflects on the important issues reported by WSN this past semester.
WSN Editorial Board May 6, 2019

This past semester, we’ve strived to accurately and critically cover the state of NYU. As the Editorial Board of WSN, we have a sense of responsibility to speak on issues that...

Commemorating Lives Lost in the Attacks in Sri Lanka

Commemorating Lives Lost in the Attacks in Sri Lanka

As privileged university students, we must take the time to recognize the tragedy in Sri Lanka.
WSN Editorial Board April 22, 2019

The world awoke on Sunday to the news that at least 290 people had been killed, and more than 500 had been injured, in what can only be described as a disaster of horrific human...

Language for a Changing World

Language for a Changing World

With modifications being added to the AP Stylebook every year, it’s important to acknowledge how language is evolving alongside the ways we cover news.
WSN Editorial Board April 8, 2019

The question of how to fairly write and talk about race in journalism has come under controversy in journalism in the last few years. This debate has permeated the culture of our...

NYU Needs to Rename Steinhardt

NYU Needs to Rename Steinhardt

Michael Steinhardt has clearly brought shame to our university’s name. It is only appropriate that NYU remove his in response.
WSN Editorial Board March 25, 2019

Over the break, the nation’s headlines were filled with the name Steinhardt. Michael Steinhardt —  a retired hedge fund manager and namesake of NYU’s largest graduate school...

Analyzing the Administration’s Affair With Amazon

Analyzing the Administration’s Affair With Amazon

NYU’s position on the Amazon deal doesn’t reflect our community as a whole.
WSN Editorial Board March 11, 2019

Last semester, Amazon announced its decision to build its second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens. After several protests from local residents and activists, however, Amazon...

Stonewall Celebration: Moving Forward by Recognizing Our Past

Stonewall Celebration: Moving Forward by Recognizing Our Past

Why NYU’s choice to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the transformative Stonewall riots is a crucial step towards the recognition of our history as an NYU community.
WSN Editorial Board March 4, 2019
Why NYU’s choice to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the transformative Stonewall riots is a crucial step towards the recognition of our history as an NYU community.
Higher Education Needs Intervention From All Sides

Higher Education Needs Intervention From All Sides

NYU is lobbying the state government for tuition assistance — but what else can be done to aid students?
WSN Editorial Board February 25, 2019

Last week, WSN reported on NYU’s intentions to lobby for increased state funding for tuition. Considering the university’s infamously high tuition, the change would be a welcome...

What NYU Gets Wrong About Confronting Racism

What NYU Gets Wrong About Confronting Racism

The viral tweet on a racist incident at Silver highlights the importance of being proactive about racism on campus — not just reactive.
WSN Editorial Board February 19, 2019

Last week, graduate student Shahem Mclaurin posted a tweet — which has since gone viral — about racial discrimination he experienced in one of his classes at the Silver School...

GSOC Deserved Better Communication

GSOC Deserved Better Communication

NYU’s decision to change some graduate students’ healthcare plans speaks towards a bigger problem of a lack of communication between the university and its students.
WSN Editorial Board February 11, 2019

This last week, an administrative decision to withhold information from the student body resulted in yet another controversy regarding credibility. WSN covered NYU’s lack of...

The Changing Face of Journalism

The Changing Face of Journalism

What does it mean to major in journalism during times of massive job cuts and the death of print publications?
WSN Editorial Board February 4, 2019

Every outlet — from WSN’s editor-in-chief to the Washington Post— is talking about it. The so-called death of journalism as we know it is upon us. With major layoffs of talented...

Lessons From the Shutdown: Local Organizing Still Works

Lessons From the Shutdown: Local Organizing Still Works

As students, it’s important to recognize where we can have an impact when incidents like the government shutdown happen.
WSN Editorial Board January 28, 2019

While we were on break, so too was the government. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history paralyzed the nation over the alleged issue of border security. Congress refused...

A Semester in Review

A Semester in Review

The Editorial Board reflects on some of the most important NYU topics of the semester and our stances on them.
WSN Editorial Board December 3, 2018
The Editorial Board reflects on some of the most important NYU topics of the semester and our stances on them.
NYU Has an Abu Dhabi Problem

NYU Has an Abu Dhabi Problem

The case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic sentenced to life in prison who has since been pardoned, is not the first event to put NYU’s Emirati venture in an awkward position — and it won’t be the last.
WSN Editorial Board November 26, 2018
The case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic sentenced to life in prison who has since been pardoned, is not the first event to put NYU’s Emirati venture in an awkward position — and it won’t be the last.
NYU’s LA Campus: An Attempt to Rise up the Ranks

NYU’s LA Campus: An Attempt to Rise up the Ranks

NYU’s developments in LA are the latest in the university’s push to rise to the top.
WSN Editorial Board November 18, 2018
NYU’s developments in LA are the latest in the university’s push to rise to the top.
On Press Freedom at NYU

On Press Freedom at NYU

The Editorial Board discusses our experience at the LS town hall and how it speaks to a larger problem of free speech both on and off campus.
WSN Editorial Board November 12, 2018
The Editorial Board discusses our experience at the LS town hall and how it speaks to a larger problem of free speech both on and off campus.
On Our Coverage of Milo Yiannopoulos

On Our Coverage of Milo Yiannopoulos

The Editorial Board acknowledges some of the consequences that can come with covering an issue like Milo Yiannopoulos’s canceled appearance at NYU.
WSN Editorial Board November 5, 2018

Since it was announced that Milo Yiannopoulos was invited by Liberal Studies Professor Michael Rectenwald to speak for his class on Halloween, WSN has published content about the...

Protecting the Right to Advocate at NYU

Protecting the Right to Advocate at NYU

The Editorial Board discusses a lack of recognition of the ever present Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus.
WSN Editorial Board October 29, 2018
The Editorial Board discusses a lack of recognition of the ever present Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus.
The Climate Change Report Is Harrowing — But Is It Our Fault?

The Climate Change Report Is Harrowing — But Is It Our Fault?

WSN Editorial Board October 15, 2018
We have an institutional responsibility to help resolve climate change, but the emphasis on individual actions to reduce waste is not enough.
How Can NYU Mourn the Loss of a Student?

How Can NYU Mourn the Loss of a Student?

WSN Editorial Board October 9, 2018
The WSN Editorial Board discusses how the loss of an NYU community member sheds light on the issues of accessibility on NYU's campus.
Global Citizen Affirms Fear Is the New Normal

Global Citizen Affirms Fear Is the New Normal

WSN Editorial Board October 1, 2018
A shooting scare at the Global Citizen Festival is indicative of a larger cultural and generational problem of gun safety.
Text Therapy Isn’t a Long-Term Solution

Text Therapy Isn’t a Long-Term Solution

WSN Editorial Board September 23, 2018
Despite valiant intentions, text-based therapy at NYU falls short.
It’s About Time Rubin Cooled Down

It’s About Time Rubin Cooled Down

WSN Editorial Board September 17, 2018
In light of the announcement that Rubin Hall will finally be equipped with air-conditioning three years from now, the Editorial Board explores why the lack of air-conditioning in university housing can prove to go beyond a simple inconvenience.
Frats Banning Alcohol Won’t Stop Its Abuse

Frats Banning Alcohol Won’t Stop Its Abuse

WSN Editorial Board September 10, 2018
The WSN Editorial Board reflects on the effects of drinking bans and fraternity culture at NYU.
More Welcome, Less Weak

More Welcome, Less Weak

WSN Editorial Board September 4, 2018
The Editorial Board discusses why clubs and student-organized events are the most crucial aspects of Welcome Week and building a community at NYU.
NYU Failed Students of Color in Stern

NYU Failed Students of Color in Stern

WSN Editorial Board April 30, 2018
If we want to make changes in the culture at NYU Stern School of Business, it is important that faculty, students and administrators work together to educate themselves, so that the victimized students don't need to.
Earth Day Thoughts

Earth Day Thoughts

WSN Editorial Board April 23, 2018
As Earth Day came and passed, it is important to look at the efforts NYU has made as a community toward a more sustainable future and what we can still do to make the future greener.
Minimize the Microaggressions in Tisch

Minimize the Microaggressions in Tisch

WSN Editorial Board April 16, 2018
NYU Tisch Drama should take these steps in order to cultivate a safer and more inclusive community for its students.
Early Decision Favors Affluent Students

Early Decision Favors Affluent Students

WSN Editorial Board April 9, 2018
Early Decision application option restricts possibility for socioeconomic diversity at NYU.
Students Are Shouting, Trustees Need to Listen

Students Are Shouting, Trustees Need to Listen

WSN Editorial Board April 2, 2018

Victor Wu This past week has been a whirlwind for members of the student groups, NYU Student Labor Action Movement and NYU Divest, who have made headlines with their week of activism....

The Moses Center Needs a Makeover

The Moses Center Needs a Makeover

WSN Editorial Board March 26, 2018
NYU Moses Center for Students with Disabilities must change the way it treats students in need of its services.
Sanctuary Cities and Their Citizens Are Here to Stay

Sanctuary Cities and Their Citizens Are Here to Stay

WSN Editorial Board March 19, 2018
Sanctuary city status should be left to individual city officials, not the state or federal government.
Leverage NYU’s Influence to Enact Gun Control

Leverage NYU’s Influence to Enact Gun Control

WSN Editorial Board March 5, 2018
As the biggest private university in the United States, NYU has the opportunity to leverage its position for good.