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
There Are No Facts Left to Check in 2016

There Are No Facts Left to Check in 2016

WSN Editorial Board October 16, 2016
People who are running to be the next leader of the free world should not necessitate constant fact checking — ideally, there would be some truth to the messages they espouse.
Upcoming Pennsylvania Faculty Walkout is Troublesome

Upcoming Pennsylvania Faculty Walkout is Troublesome

WSN Editorial Board October 13, 2016
The walk-out planned by the faculty members of Pennsylvanian universities is reflective of a dangerous viewpoint that holds contract details in a higher regard than delivering a quality education.
Restrictive Voting Laws Extend Past the South

Restrictive Voting Laws Extend Past the South

WSN Editorial Board October 12, 2016
Until New York reforms its own voting process, state officials have no legitimate argument to make against conservative state legislatures taking advantage of the Supreme Court ruling.
Yiannopoulos Visit Has Every Right to Happen

Yiannopoulos Visit Has Every Right to Happen

WSN Editorial Board October 10, 2016
In the interest of free speech on campus, the College Republicans should be free to host Yiannopoulous. Whether someone wants to take him seriously as a political voice or dismiss him as a clownish caricature should be up to that individual.
NYU Hack Worrisome

NYU Hack Worrisome

WSN Editorial Board October 6, 2016
The recent hack on NYU reflects a serious widespread problem the university needs to immediately address.
Promote a Global Network Without the Issues Lawsuit Spotlights

Promote a Global Network Without the Issues Lawsuit Spotlights

WSN Editorial Board October 5, 2016
Despite the Tisch Asia lawsuit and the NYU community’s legitimate concerns regarding expansion, the university’s campuses abroad are a valuable asset and should be maintained.
Lack of Diversity Task Force Accountability Disconcerting

Lack of Diversity Task Force Accountability Disconcerting

WSN Editorial Board October 3, 2016
The issue of campus diversity was an opportunity for the Hamilton administration to prove that it could make good on its word. Instead, we got broken promises, forgotten deadlines and needlessly puerile rebuffs from official spokespeople.
Clinton’s New College Compact Compromises Credibility

Clinton’s New College Compact Compromises Credibility

WSN Editorial Board September 29, 2016
Clinton's new higher education proposal is a poorly made compromise.
Nonsexual Queer Spaces Needed in NYC

Nonsexual Queer Spaces Needed in NYC

WSN Editorial Board September 26, 2016
The onus is on everyone — not just business leaders — to ensure that no space feels like it is off limits for people who identify as LGBTQ.
FAFSA Reform an Improvement but Not a Fix

FAFSA Reform an Improvement but Not a Fix

WSN Editorial Board September 21, 2016
Starting the financial aid process earlier and accepting older tax returns offer planning benefits to high schoolers as they begin the application process, yet these small FAFSA reforms do little to ease the greatest burden of pursuing a college degree.
NYU Bias Hotline Offers Constructive Resolutions

NYU Bias Hotline Offers Constructive Resolutions

WSN Editorial Board September 19, 2016
By promoting an official and one-on-one system of reporting discrimination, NYU administrators are offering an outlet for students’ complaints without prejudgment.
LIU Brooklyn Lockout Sets Dangerous Precedent

LIU Brooklyn Lockout Sets Dangerous Precedent

WSN Editorial Board September 15, 2016

When classes started at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus last Wednesday, students were missing one rather important thing: their professors. Around 400 faculty members...

The Only Path to Educational Improvement Is Desegregation of Schools

The Only Path to Educational Improvement Is Desegregation of Schools

WSN Editorial Board September 14, 2016
Diverse learning environments create increased opportunities for all students, no matter their circumstances, and prepare them for an increasingly global workplace awaiting them post-graduation.
9/11 Requires More  Nuanced Remembrance

9/11 Requires More Nuanced Remembrance

WSN Editorial Board September 12, 2016
NYU would do well to provide some way of introducing students to serious discussion of the complicated aftermath of 9/11.
For Clinton, Attempts at Transparency Don’t Fly

For Clinton, Attempts at Transparency Don’t Fly

WSN Editorial Board September 8, 2016
While Clinton's recent actions have been a welcome change from her usual guarded attitude towards the press, it is problematic that it has taken a year for her campaign to take this basic step.
College Diversity Training Comes Too Late

College Diversity Training Comes Too Late

WSN Editorial Board September 7, 2016
When lessons pertaining to diversity are taught at the university level, educators have to unravel nearly two decades of unintentional slights and prejudices.
Tracking Donor Money Is Too Hard

Tracking Donor Money Is Too Hard

WSN Editorial Board September 6, 2016
The lack of transparency about the use of donor money is troubling to students who are already strapped for cash.
Annual Rise In Tuition Causes Undue Stress

Annual Rise In Tuition Causes Undue Stress

WSN Editorial Board August 28, 2016

Since its expansion and rise to the top of college rankings, cost of attendance at NYU has been a concern for students. Even more frustrating is the practice of raising tuition...

Judgment Day Looms for Hamilton Promises

Judgment Day Looms for Hamilton Promises

WSN Editorial Board May 2, 2016
The coming semester will demonstrate whether this administration has become the standard-bearer for the students, or the new face of an old regime.
Housing Selection Dupes Upperclassmen

Housing Selection Dupes Upperclassmen

WSN Editorial Board April 27, 2016
NYU students are promised better, and they deserve better.
De Blasio Must Combat Allegations with Transparency

De Blasio Must Combat Allegations with Transparency

WSN Editorial Board April 26, 2016
Opaqueness is not just a cover for corruption, but a serious flaw in governance.
NYPD Quota Culture Threatens Equality

NYPD Quota Culture Threatens Equality

WSN Editorial Board April 25, 2016
Disincentivize pointless arrests, and minority businesses will be allowed to survive and prosper unharassed.
Divestment is Part of Larger NYU Battle

Divestment is Part of Larger NYU Battle

WSN Editorial Board April 19, 2016
In the struggle for a more responsible administration, divestment activists and the rest of the NYU community are united.
Hamilton Needs a Better Party Planner

Hamilton Needs a Better Party Planner

WSN Editorial Board April 18, 2016
Students must do everything possible in order to secure a more desirable affordability plan, including promoting the talks with President Hamilton.
UC Davis Cares More About PR Than Serving Student Community

UC Davis Cares More About PR Than Serving Student Community

WSN Editorial Board April 14, 2016
With the Sacramento Bee report, UC Davis’s twisted priorities have finally come to light. The university has made it abundantly clear that it values its public image more than its students’ safety and its own accountability.
New York Must Reform Voter Registration to Include Those Registered as Independent

New York Must Reform Voter Registration to Include Those Registered as Independent

WSN Editorial Board April 12, 2016
With a primary that excludes Independents and a registration system that discriminates against them, New York State primary voting combines the worst of all worlds.
Quantifying NYU  Endowment Woes

Quantifying NYU Endowment Woes

WSN Editorial Board April 11, 2016
The model of the large endowment as “intergenerational stewardship” is more noble and much more sustainable. But in order to attain this model, the administration has a long road ahead of it.
New York Child Abuse Laws Are 'Regressive' and 'Absurd'

New York Child Abuse Laws Are ‘Regressive’ and ‘Absurd’

WSN Editorial Board April 6, 2016
New York State needs to support the victims of some of the most heinous crimes imaginable by reforming the statute of limitation and providing greater resources for the abused.
Trump Supporters Can’t Expect Civility

Trump Supporters Can’t Expect Civility

WSN Editorial Board April 4, 2016
The nature of political discourse is inherently personal and provocative; if one contributes to the public sphere only by prodding with crude and inarticulate talking points, then they should expect that others will respond in kind.
What’s Up With That?

What’s Up With That?

WSN Editorial Board March 31, 2016
Sometimes, you just have to take a step back and look at the issues, you know? The real important stuff. We get wrapped up in our daily minutia so much, we forget sometimes that there’s a big world with big problems that need big solving.
Cuomo Should Consider Banning Discrimination, Not Just Travel

Cuomo Should Consider Banning Discrimination, Not Just Travel

WSN Editorial Board March 30, 2016
When an official takes the effort to a make a social statement, not often is it made with genuine intent. Cuomo should endeavor to be the exception, not just another politician speaking in elevated tones with his fingers crossed behind his back.
New York Should Host Democratic Debate

New York Should Host Democratic Debate

WSN Editorial Board March 29, 2016
A New York debate between the Democratic nominees is needed — not as a political gift to either candidate, but to give a voice to New Yorkers.
Ban the Box and the Power of Visible Protest

Ban the Box and the Power of Visible Protest

WSN Editorial Board March 28, 2016
After 34 grueling hours, the IEC demonstration finally won the activists a timely personal meeting with President Hamilton and a recorded discussion with the Common App CEO on Tuesday. Not only does this agreement represent a significant victory for the Ban the Box movement, but it also provides an important milestone for disruptive student activism and administrative transparency.
Ask NYU For Change and You Shall Receive — Maybe

Ask NYU For Change and You Shall Receive — Maybe

WSN Editorial Board March 23, 2016
The open suggestion box is a critical next step, not only for Hamilton’s affordability mission, but also his ongoing efforts to create a more transparent administration. But it remains to be seen how well the administration will respond.
What’s Bad for America is Bad for Journalism

What’s Bad for America is Bad for Journalism

WSN Editorial Board March 22, 2016
The rampant corporate influence on news coverage this election cycle threatens the integrity of journalism and American democracy.
Freedom of Speech Snubbed in Hogan Case

Freedom of Speech Snubbed in Hogan Case

WSN Editorial Board March 21, 2016
Terry Bollea, whether he is play-acting Hulk Hogan or not, is a public figure. But the plaintiff carelessly conflated newsworthiness with taste and the jury fell for that legal sleight of hand. If this case holds up, the precedent it would set could prove disastrous.
Committee Offers Progress, Scapegoat

Committee Offers Progress, Scapegoat

WSN Editorial Board March 7, 2016
Without clear accountability or parameters, the committee is at risk of being used as a scapegoat, to offer the administration plausible deniability.
One Incident Should Not Discredit a Movement

One Incident Should Not Discredit a Movement

WSN Editorial Board March 3, 2016
Social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, need all the help they can get if they are to make real, tangible change. Unfortunately, they find themselves hampered by one or two instances of bad behavior.
NYPD Must Be Held Accountable For Its Actions Against Citizens and Police Alike

NYPD Must Be Held Accountable For Its Actions Against Citizens and Police Alike

WSN Editorial Board March 2, 2016
The Forster case sheds light on an enormous double standard — the police spring into action when the victims are their own men, but are reluctant to take a stand when civilians are involved.
A New Era in Aggressive Activism

A New Era in Aggressive Activism

WSN Editorial Board February 29, 2016
Protest and active resistance are powerful weapons in the arsenal of activists. The act of stirring the pot allows for a more visceral form of engagement with the society at large. However, because of the raw emotional response that this activism is meant to provoke, there can be severe consequences.
Unreasonable GOP Stubbornness Helps No One

Unreasonable GOP Stubbornness Helps No One

WSN Editorial Board February 25, 2016
Ultimately, the GOP’s current game plan will not do anyone any favors. Until they reassess their goals as a party and move towards a platform that is realistic, the Republicans in Congress and elsewhere will find themselves at a dead end.
New York Must Lead Reform on Sexual Assault Laws

New York Must Lead Reform on Sexual Assault Laws

WSN Editorial Board February 24, 2016
New York State should be leading the nation in establishing rights for sexual assault victims, not lagging behind the rest of the country.
Hamilton Needs a Long-Term Affordability Plan

Hamilton Needs a Long-Term Affordability Plan

WSN Editorial Board February 22, 2016
Hamilton’s proposals set a good short-term precedent for his administration, but in light of Sexton’s leftover projects, the direction that Hamilton will eventually take the university is still unclear.
The FBI Has No Right To Strong-Arm Apple Into a New Encryption System

The FBI Has No Right To Strong-Arm Apple Into a New Encryption System

WSN Editorial Board February 18, 2016
Privacy advocates and many in the tech industry have raised concerns that the FBI's requested backdoor could be leaked, leaving millions of iPhone owners susceptible to breach. Given the risks that it would pose to private citizens, Apple should continue to fight the court’s edict.
If the MTA Won't, NYU Should Supplement Student Travel Fees

If the MTA Won’t, NYU Should Supplement Student Travel Fees

WSN Editorial Board February 17, 2016
It is only fair that the school which promises students gathered from far and wide a chance to explore the city should help them make the most of the opportunity.
Don’t Let FOMO Rule Your Life

Don’t Let FOMO Rule Your Life

WSN Editorial Board February 16, 2016
There are many opportunities for NYU students, but a student can only venture out of their comfort zone so many times before you need a simple night of drinking to left off steam.
Free Speech Under Siege by University Admins in Mount St. Mary’s

Free Speech Under Siege by University Admins in Mount St. Mary’s

WSN Editorial Board February 11, 2016
By publishing the retention story and the drowning bunnies quote, the Mountain Echo has done its part in bringing justice to the university. With any luck, the administration will now hold itself accountable to the university community like it was always supposed to.
Don't Run For President, Bloomberg

Don’t Run For President, Bloomberg

WSN Editorial Board February 9, 2016
In an already crowded pool of candidates, Bloomberg's potential candidacy is more of a distraction than anything else.
Hamilton Must Be More Than Just Talk

Hamilton Must Be More Than Just Talk

WSN Editorial Board February 8, 2016
Hamilton is hopeful, but he will need make good on his optimism for the university.
Obama’s Mosque Visit Too Little, Too Late

Obama’s Mosque Visit Too Little, Too Late

WSN Editorial Board February 4, 2016
If any president is going to make meaningful progress for social justice in the United States, they must insist on that progress wholeheartedly, whether politically expedient or not.
State Schools Must Serve State Students

State Schools Must Serve State Students

WSN Editorial Board February 3, 2016
State universities need to remember the importance of the affordable education that they are meant to provide -- not just on paper, but in practice as well.
Accountability for Cops Should See No Color

Accountability for Cops Should See No Color

WSN Editorial Board February 1, 2016
The problem at hand in the Akai Gurley case is greater than any one racial group. It extends deep into the way that NYPD officers are trained and disciplined.
Was it worth it, President Sexton?

Was it worth it, President Sexton?

WSN Editorial Board December 7, 2015
Hamilton should refocus the university’s mission on its responsibility to the wider community and to future students, not to shareholders.
Terrorism and the bludgeoning power of rhetoric

Terrorism and the bludgeoning power of rhetoric

WSN Editorial Board December 2, 2015
When it comes to terrorism, the means and intent are what matter, and we must apply the term equally.
NYU inclusion pledges are encouraging step forward

NYU inclusion pledges are encouraging step forward

WSN Editorial Board November 30, 2015
Though activists should absolutely ensure the university follows through on their word, change comes in small steps and the administration’s recent pledges should be seen as encouraging milestones toward progress.
Education, job listing ruins Tinder

Education, job listing ruins Tinder

WSN Editorial Board November 30, 2015
Tinder's newly released update challenges the bold promise of carefree dating in favor of the traditional.
Paris underscores importance of opening arms to refugees

Paris underscores importance of opening arms to refugees

WSN Editorial Board November 17, 2015
When geopolitics are horrendously complicated and when hatred and fear are what motivate our enemies, we need humanity now more than ever — toward our citizens and toward refugees.
Price of contraceptives too damn high

Price of contraceptives too damn high

WSN Editorial Board November 16, 2015
Women need unfettered control of their own bodies, and unfettered access to contraceptives is an important step. Let every woman have contraceptives on her own terms, and equality will follow.
Mizzou protesters must not block media

Mizzou protesters must not block media

WSN Editorial Board November 11, 2015
The way that protesters at the University of Missouri have used safe spaces as a cudgel against journalists is counterproductive to their movement. They are antagonizing the single best medium for their message to get across.
Mizzou president resigns but protesters must remain focused

Mizzou president resigns but protesters must remain focused

WSN Editorial Board November 9, 2015
The resignation of University of Missouri chancellor Tim Wolfe is an important first step for student protests against racism. But getting a president to resign is not everything; the movement must have clear goals and means in mind if they are to meaningfully improve race relations at their school.
NYU financial aid still needs overhaul

NYU financial aid still needs overhaul

WSN Editorial Board November 9, 2015
Andrew Hamilton needs to change NYU's stance on financial aid when he becomes president.
Divest's activism is the answer to bureaucratic heel-dragging

Divest’s activism is the answer to bureaucratic heel-dragging

WSN Editorial Board November 4, 2015
NYU Divest is to be lauded for their ability to maintain a spotlight on the administration's heel-dragging on the topic of divestment.
Campus suicide should not be a Halloween decoration

Campus suicide should not be a Halloween decoration

WSN Editorial Board November 2, 2015
Given NYU's history with suicide, the office of student affairs should be sensitive in their fall ball decorations.
Political cynicism among young voters must end

Political cynicism among young voters must end

WSN Editorial Board November 2, 2015
Young people have too much at stake in the coming election not to vote. In order to counteract the lack of attention to youth issues, young people must vote in order to show that they are a force worth considering.
Fund newspapers, unpalatable opinions and all

Fund newspapers, unpalatable opinions and all

WSN Editorial Board October 28, 2015
Newspapers shouldn't get defunded for unpopular —or even ignorant— opinions.
Media, students lose cool in face of Malia Obama’s college visit

Media, students lose cool in face of Malia Obama’s college visit

WSN Editorial Board October 26, 2015
The media and the Brown student body are focusing too much on Malia Obama visiting Brown and being in the vicinity of a beer pong table.
College drinking about safety, not prohibition

College drinking about safety, not prohibition

WSN Editorial Board October 26, 2015
Universities need to understand the reality that students are going to drink no matter what. Drinking policies need to teach students how to drink rather than futilely attempting to stamp it out.
Technology outpacing civil liberties in New York policing

Technology outpacing civil liberties in New York policing

WSN Editorial Board October 20, 2015
NYPD x-ray vans could pose a significant hazard to both health and civil liberties. Once again, the NYPD needs greater oversight to ensure that it uses its technology prudently.
NYU must deliver on GSOC promises

NYU must deliver on GSOC promises

WSN Editorial Board October 18, 2015
NYU must make more of an effort to address the missing graduate student paychecks. The administration's carelessness towards its student finances is wholly unprofessional.
Sexton disappoints in final town hall, Hamilton must do better

Sexton disappoints in final town hall, Hamilton must do better

WSN Editorial Board October 14, 2015
John Sexton's noncommittal showing at his last town hall reflects the lack of engagement he had with the students and faculty. If Andrew Hamilton is to improve, he must hold a more open and earnest dialogue with the NYU community at large.
Boomers shouldn’t scapegoat millennials

Boomers shouldn’t scapegoat millennials

WSN Editorial Board October 13, 2015
Don't harp on millenials for being self-centered. We're struggling to improve the world just as much as any generation. Fixating on the perceived flaws of the generation is just distracting from the main issues.
#BetterSexTalk’s campaign boosts discourse

#BetterSexTalk’s campaign boosts discourse

WSN Editorial Board October 7, 2015
#BetterSexTalk improves the discourse around sexual education and sexual assault.
Don’t look a $100 million gift horse in the mouth

Don’t look a $100 million gift horse in the mouth

WSN Editorial Board October 5, 2015
Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon's donation to NYU, despite sudden name change, should not be spurned. Pushback to the name is ultimately an overreaction in comparison to the good the money will do.
Documenting use of force positive step for NYPD

Documenting use of force positive step for NYPD

WSN Editorial Board October 5, 2015
The NYPD's reforms on the use of force are a step in the right direction.
NYU admissions process should be more accessible to low-income students

NYU admissions process should be more accessible to low-income students

WSN Editorial Board September 30, 2015
NYU must join a wider coalition of universities in the USA in simplifying the college admissions process and reaching out to prospective students.
Reform Rikers or shut it down

Reform Rikers or shut it down

WSN Editorial Board September 28, 2015
Indictment of Riker's Island corrections officer is the first step towards fixing a long history of abuse and neglect of inmates.
Four years on, US drone program morally indefensible

Four years on, US drone program morally indefensible

WSN Editorial Board September 28, 2015
Four years after Anwar al-Awlaki's death, the US drone program must change.
A progressive papacy in a conservative institution

A progressive papacy in a conservative institution

WSN Editorial Board September 23, 2015
Pope Francis's progressiveness has to be seen through the lens of the conservatism of the Roman Catholic Church.
NYU should issue campus transparency report

NYU should issue campus transparency report

WSN Editorial Board September 22, 2015
NYU should release a transparency report detailing the government requests for student data.
NYU response to UAE travel ban unsatisfactory

NYU response to UAE travel ban unsatisfactory

WSN Editorial Board September 21, 2015
Academic freedom is in question in regard to NYU professor Andrew Ross's bar from entering the UAE.

Ahmed Mohamed arrest latest in pattern of Islamophobia

WSN Editorial Board September 16, 2015
Instead of defending the officers who arrested a high school freshman over an engineering project, we should be encouraging more people to imitate Ahmed’s curiosity and fortitude.

Blake debacle underscores need for NYPD reform

WSN Editorial Board September 14, 2015
The James Blake case is the latest case of NYPD misconduct. It is past time for Bratton and de Blasio to act.
Leslie eLab fosters  entrepreneurial spirit

Leslie eLab fosters entrepreneurial spirit

WSN Editorial Board September 14, 2015
The NYU Leslie eLab is a good example of NYU promoting innovation, and it's this is a good thing.
NYU needs to move forward with divestment talks

NYU needs to move forward with divestment talks

WSN Editorial Board September 9, 2015
The NYU administration is dragging its heels on divestment, and must acknowledge the promised meeting between the board of trustees and NYU Divest.

Refugee crisis demands action

WSN Editorial Board September 8, 2015
The EU needs to cut the rhetorical heel-digging and start earnestly addressing the refugees at their doorstep.
Taxi medallion system needs overhaul

Taxi medallion system needs overhaul

WSN Editorial Board September 8, 2015
Uber may bring a welcome and deserved disruption to the taxi medallion service in NYC.
Independent bookstores need our love

Independent bookstores need our love

WSN Editorial Board August 28, 2015
NYU students can give back to the wider Greenwich Village community by supporting local bookstores where possible.

LS must clarify goals to reduce student confusion

WSN Editorial Board April 30, 2015
NYU should work to alleviate the stigma that some Liberal Studies students feel.

Media coverage of Baltimore frustrating

WSN Editorial Board April 28, 2015
The media coverage of the Baltimore riots has dismissed the largely peaceful protests and cleanup efforts.
Chipotle ignores science with GMO removal

Chipotle ignores science with GMO removal

WSN Editorial Board April 28, 2015
Chipotle disregards science by hopping on the anti-GMO bandwagon.
Conversation over police brutality needs nuance

Conversation over police brutality needs nuance

WSN Editorial Board April 26, 2015
The East Village killing of David Felix prompts further conversation of police brutality and the necessity of good relations between the NYPD and New Yorkers.

New York City libraries deserve funding

WSN Editorial Board April 22, 2015
Funding to update NYC public libraries should prioritize classes and technology over books.

Decriminalizing minor offenses a positive step

WSN Editorial Board April 21, 2015
Reclassifying minor offenses as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses is a step in the right direction, and the city council is to be commended.

Sexton response to labor violations limited

WSN Editorial Board April 19, 2015
NYU must increase monitoring at study abroad sites in countries with frequent human rights violations, and should reconsider developing these sites.

Participatory Budgeting good for residents

WSN Editorial Board April 16, 2015
NYC Participatory Budget week is an excellent opportunity for residents to vote on local issues, and should be better advertised.

Obscene MTA ads relatively minor problem

WSN Editorial Board April 14, 2015
Subway advertisements do not need to be completely child friendly, but should be used well.

Clinton announcement too early for Democrats

WSN Editorial Board April 13, 2015
Clinton is not the ideal Democratic candidate, but the best option to take on Republicans as of now.

National conversation on harassment beginning

WSN Editorial Board April 12, 2015
While some may see street harassment as a small issue in the grand scheme of things, it is emblematic of bigger issues and must be rebuked.

Entrepreneurial spirit must be inclusive one

WSN Editorial Board April 8, 2015
Tech@NYU is to be commended for its diversity-in-tech panel, but college entrepreneurial groups can always do more.

Flubbed story shows need for campus reform

WSN Editorial Board April 7, 2015
Rolling Stone deserves to be sued for its damaging journalistic incompetence in the discredited UVA rape article.