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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

Photo of Lauren Ashe

Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor

Lauren Ashe is a sophomore double-majoring in Journalism and Politics and minoring in Media, Culture and Communication. When she isn’t at the office she can be found taking film photos of her friends and the outdoors. She loves reading books and exploring museums too. You can contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @laurenashe_.

All content by Lauren Ashe
A large gray building with a complex dome in its center sitting in front of a lush park with multiple trees and people.

Black students leave NYU Berlin early after reports of racism overlooked

After several experiences of racism both on and off campus, some students have opted to leave the study abroad site early.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor December 15, 2022

Jordan Lee, a junior at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, was walking to a nightclub with his friends near NYU’s study away site in Berlin, when he noticed that another group...

A photograph of the scene of the car collision. Crime scene tape runs across the street. A group of four first responders are seen standing next blood on the road.

Woman killed in Chinatown car crash outside NYU’s Lafayette Hall

A woman who is not affiliated with NYU was hit by a driver outside a university residence hall in Chinatown on Monday morning.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor December 5, 2022

An 83-year-old woman was struck and killed by the driver of a pickup truck just outside of Lafayette Hall, on the corner of Lafayette Street and White Street in Chinatown, at approximately...

The entrance of the Coral Tower residence hall. To the left is a pink bulletin board with announcements about the dorm. In the middle is a gray gate to enter the residence hall, with two elevators in the background. To the left is a brown desk where security officers typically sit.

Hamilton orders security review after spate of dorm intrusions

NYU president Andrew Hamilton requested that Campus Safety conduct an extensive review of dorm security following a series of intruder incidents last month.
Carmo Moniz, Lauren Ashe and Yezen Saadah December 1, 2022

After a series of security failures allowed intruders to enter multiple NYU residence halls and led to the resignation of one officer, university president Andrew Hamilton has...

The exterior of NYU Lafayette Hall from the diagonal corner of the street.

Intruder removed after entering Lafayette Hall

An intruder entered Lafayette Hall and interacted with students before being removed by police on Sunday evening, in the fourth dorm trespassing incident at NYU in two weeks.
Carmo Moniz, Lauren Ashe and Tori Morales November 21, 2022

An intruder bypassed security, jumped a turnstile and entered NYU’s Lafayette Hall dorm at around 5:40 p.m. on Sunday. He was found 20 minutes later by an officer from NYU’s...

Students and campus safety officers gather in the Third North residence hall courtyard. Two bright lights shine on them from above.

No sign of NYU dorm intruder despite exhaustive 8-hour search

Several residents of the Third Avenue North residence hall saw the intruder in dorm rooms, the dining hall and a lounge.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor November 16, 2022

Over eight hours, police and NYU security combed through every floor of the university’s Third Avenue North residence hall after a man was reported to have entered the complex...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: Union Square block party and canine comedy

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Nov. 7-13.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor November 6, 2022

An evening with American songwriter Sam Hollander 8 p.m. at 133 MacDougal St. Sam Hollander — a songwriter who has worked with Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Weezer,...

Anexteriorviewof the Coral Tower residence hall. The building has a modern white facade. On each side of the building are rows of rectangular windows and balconies. At the bottom is a black sign for a nearby pharmacy, “Duane Reade.”

Intruder evades NYU dorm security at Alumni Hall, Coral Tower

The New York City Police Department responded to reports of an intruder in the Alumni Hall and Coral Tower residence halls.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor November 4, 2022

A man unaffiliated with NYU dodged security and entered Alumni Hall and Coral Tower on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The unidentified perpetrator was removed from Alumni Hall by Campus Safety...

The number 6 train arriving at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.

Latest subway safety plan puts more police in stations

With an intent of cracking down on crime, Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul plan to increase police presence and mental health services in the system’s cars and stations.
Carmo Moniz and Lauren Ashe October 24, 2022

More police officers are coming to New York City subway stations after Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a plan to add 1,200 overtime shifts across over 300 stations...

An illustration of a megaphone with a red handle. Written in orange on the megaphone are the words “Staff Rants.”

Staff Rants: Midterms and midterms

It’s the middle of the term! The WSN staff offers our thoughts on our exam-packed weeks and the ongoing congressional election season.

On unoriginality: It’s really unoriginal of NYU to hold midterm exams during the midterm elections. As an academic institution that discourages plagiarism, it shouldn’t steal...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: PowerPoint comedy show and the Little Red Lighthouse

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Oct. 3 to Oct. 9.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor October 2, 2022

An interview with author Edmund White 1 p.m. online Catharine Stimpson, the former dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU, will interview award-winning author...

A portrait of a middle-aged couple on the left and the title “Everything’s (Not) Okay” on the right.

Russia-imprisoned teacher Marc Fogel must be released, former student says

Two Stern students interviewed a former student of Marc Fogel — the teacher who was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being detained for drug possession in Russia.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor September 8, 2022

While Marc Fogel was traveling on his way to teach at the Anglo-American School in Moscow in August 2021, Russian customs officers found marijuana in his luggage. The teacher had...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: NYU Club Fest, Broadway Week and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Sept. 5-11.
Lauren Ashe, Deputy News Editor September 5, 2022

An outdoor art festival by Washington Square Park 12-6 p.m. along University Place between Washington Square Park and Union Square  Free, art available for purchase Stop...

Inside a NYC polling site is a red "Vote NYC" sign in the foreground and a polling booth in the background.

Dan Goldman wins hotly contested NY-10 primary

A look into how the former federal prosecutor’s policies on student loan debt, public safety and climate change may affect NYU students as he advances to the November congressional election.
Lauren Ashe and Carmo Moniz August 25, 2022

Former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman won yesterday’s Democratic primary congressional election in New York’s 10th District, which encompasses Greenwich Village, SoHo, the...

The alleged intruder in an NYU lounge. He has light skin and glasses, and is wearing a green baseball cap backwards. He is also wearing an orange jacket under a dark gray coat.

Rubin Hall intruder’s identity revealed in police report 

Ahmed Mabrouk has been named as the intruder who entered Rubin Hall in April, staying overnight multiple times and interacting with residents.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer May 4, 2022

A police report filed by NYU named Ahmed Mabrouk as the intruder who entered Rubin Hall and interacted with several NYU students in and around the dormitory last month. Mabrouk...

A vertical view of the facade of the 25 West 4th St. NYU building. In front of the entrance door there is a purple roof that on the side says “New York University.” On the front there is a white box with the number “25” inside. Under the “25” it reads “West 4th Street”. There are five people walking past the building on the sidewalk.

CAS offices will move to 25 W. 4th St. in 2024

The College of Arts & Science offices will move from the Silver Center to 726 Broadway this summer while their future permanent location at 25 W. Fourth St. undergoes renovations.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 29, 2022

The offices of the College of Arts & Science will relocate to 25 W. Fourth St. in 2024, NYU announced in an email sent to the CAS community on Thursday, April 28. The move...

The facade of Rubin Hall with a dark green awning printed with the address “35 Fifth Avenue.” The awning is accompanied by two NYU banner flags on each side.

Campus Safety apologizes to Rubin Hall residents for botched intruder response

Campus Safety head Fountain Walker said the department’s handling of student reports fell short. A security officer involved in the trespassing incident has resigned, and others are under investigation.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 15, 2022

NYU Campus Safety apologized to Rubin Hall residents after an intruder entered the residence hall several times last week in an email sent on Thursday, April 14. The unidentified...

The frontal exterior of Rubin Hall. It is a brick building; the ground-floor exterior is painted gray. A green awning above door reads “35” and “New York University.” Two NYU banners flank the awning.

Rubin Hall leadership addresses intruder

Students living in Rubin Hall described their encounters with a repeat trespasser in the dorm building. Hall administrators communicated with residents about the intruder in an email on Tuesday.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 13, 2022

On Tuesday, April 12, at around 1:30 p.m., Rubin Hall’s leadership team sent an email to residents addressing a trespasser who had entered the residence hall on multiple occasions...

The interior of the lobby of Rubin Hall. Three elevators are in the back as people wait for them. A security guard is sitting at the desk with plexiglass in the front. The walls are covered with NYU posters.

Unidentified man spotted wandering around Rubin Hall

NYU Campus Safety and the New York City Police Department responded to reports of a man claiming to be a graduate student roaming through the residence hall on Monday, April 11.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 12, 2022

The New York City Police Department and NYU Campus Safety responded at about 8 p.m. on Monday, April 11, to a report filed the previous day of an intruder in Rubin Hall. The man...

An illustration of students sitting in a colloquium room for a student government meeting. On the left, a purple banner with the NYU torch logo hangs on the wall and reads “‘NYU SGA.”

CAS junior Ron Hall selected as next NYU student gov’t chair

NYU’s Student Government Assembly elected a new chair and passed resolutions addressing the adjunct faculty union’s upcoming contract negotiations and mental health provisions on city transportation.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 11, 2022
NYU’s Student Government Assembly elected a new chairp and passed resolutions addressing the adjunct faculty union’s upcoming contract negotiations and mental health provisions on city transportation.
A reproductive rights protest at Washington Square Park. Protesters hold signs saying “Jews for Productive Rights,” “Men of Quality don’t fear Equality,” “NYU stand up for Reproductive Rights,” “Sex is beautiful; Reproduction is optional,” “Abortion is Healthcare” and “Abortion = Healthcare = Human Right.” NYU sophomore JJ Briscoe holds a megaphone and speaks to the crowd.

Students protest Bobst Library anti-abortion demonstrators

NYU students rallied for reproductive rights in Washington Square Park last Thursday in response to an anti-abortion protest outside of NYU’s Bobst Library the previous week.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 4, 2022
A group of NYU students organized a rally in Washington Square Park last Thursday in response to an anti-abortion protest held outside of NYU’s Bobst Library during the prior week.
An illustration of students sitting in a colloquium room for a student government meeting. On the left, a purple banner with the NYU torch logo hangs on the wall and reads “‘NYU SGA.”

Student gov’t advocates for hybrid learning, plant-based dining options

The Student Government Assembly discussed the next chairperson election and addressed the university’s inadequate mental health services during its meeting on March 31.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer April 4, 2022

The Student Government Assembly announced its potential candidates for the next SGA chair, passed a resolution to provide plant-based meals on campus, spoke about improving the...

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

NYU drops indoor mask mandate for some locations

The university announced on Wednesday that mask wearing will be optional effective immediately in residence hall lounges, gyms, and non-mandatory events and meetings, as well as in common areas and lounges in the Kimmel Center for University Life. Masks will still be required in many areas where attendance is mandatory.
Lauren Ashe and Kayla Hardersen March 30, 2022

NYU eased its indoor mask mandate on Wednesday, March 30, the university announced in an email to the community. Mask wearing will be optional in residence hall lounges, gyms,...

A scattered crowd of New Yorkers in Washington Square Park with the arch and fountain in view.

Egg flung at prospective student on NYU campus tour

Eggs were thrown at an admissions ambassador and a group of prospective students near the southeast corner of Washington Square Park on Monday, March 28.
Lauren Ashe and Kayla Hardersen March 29, 2022

Admissions ambassador Maximus Medary and his campus tour group were egged while standing outside of Goddard Hall at around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 28. Medary said he was leading...

The glass entrance of the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life.

Student gov’t proposal demands suspension of NYU Tel Aviv

The proposed resolution, brought forward by two members of the Student Senators Council, calls for NYU to shutter its Tel Aviv site until Israel repeals a law targeting foreign critics of the state. The council also discussed transportation costs, housing affordability and accommodations for Muslim students at its March 10 meeting.
Carmo Moniz and Lauren Ashe March 11, 2022

Two representatives of NYU’s student government proposed a resolution calling on the university to suspend its study away site in Tel Aviv during a Student Senators Council meeting...

The green scaffolding next to Stern. Two women walk in opposite directions underneath.

New security measures installed near Stern, but students still worry about safety

NYU Campus Safety added lights on scaffolding and nine security cameras east of Washington Square Park after seven NYU students were assaulted in the area last month.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer March 9, 2022

Following a string of assaults on campus, some NYU students continue to worry about their safety on campus, despite increased security measures announced by the Department of Campus...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: NYU event with Solange and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: March 7 to March 13.
Carmo Moniz and Lauren Ashe March 7, 2022

A gallery to reflect on loss Noon-5 p.m. at 8 Washington Mews Free, restricted to the NYU community NYU community members are invited to visit the “Grief Garden,” a...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: Vigil for Ukraine and more

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: Feb. 28 to March 6.
Carmo Moniz and Lauren Ashe February 27, 2022

A vigil in solidarity with Ukraine 5-6 p.m. at the Kimmel Center for University Life Restricted to the NYU community A vigil for Ukraine on the steps of the Kimmel Center...

Facade of the Starbucks coffee shop at NYU’s Goddard Hall. Some pedestrians are walking in front of the building and a customer is opening the front door.

2 more students allege NYU mishandled campus attacks

After reports of four students being assaulted on campus in February, two more victims have come forward to describe recent attacks that they say were mishandled by Campus Safety.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer February 25, 2022

At least two more NYU students said they were victims of recent attacks on campus after Campus Safety confirmed in a Feb. 17 email that four students had been assaulted. The two...

The NYU Stern School of Business is located at 44 W. Fourth St. Four students were attacked nearby in the past two weeks. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Assaulted student says he was dismissed by NYU Campus Safety

Four NYU students were attacked near Washington Square in the past two weeks. The most recent victim said Campus Safety initially downplayed his assault.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer February 17, 2022

In three recent incidents, students walking on NYU’s Washington Square campus were struck without warning by a passerby — described in each case as a male with a light complexion...

While the omicron surge in New York City has died down, COVID-19 continues to impact supply chains and grocery prices. (Photo by Noma Mirny)

Empty shelves at the grocery store? Blame supply chain issues.

The uptick in product prices and lack of shelf stock have led New York City residents to reevaluate their food consumption habits.
Abby Wilson and Lauren Ashe February 17, 2022

Many grocery stores in New York City are struggling to keep their shelves stocked due to supply chain holdups and other remaining impacts of the omicron surge. To keep up with...

NYU scholar Michael Lindsey will be taking over as the new dean of the Silver School of Social Work on July 1. (Image courtesy of NYU)

A conversation with incoming NYU Silver dean Michael Lindsey

Michael Lindsey, an NYU professor of poverty studies, plans to apply his background in mental health to his new role.
Lauren Ashe, Senior Staff Writer February 9, 2022

Michael Lindsey will take over as the new dean of the Silver School of Social Work starting July 1. Lindsey, the executive director of NYU’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy...

Starting Friday, Feb. 4, students will be allowed to eat in dining halls. (Photo by Jake Capriotti)

NYU to ease COVID restrictions starting Friday

The university will allow indoor dining again starting Feb. 4. On Feb. 7, restrictions on gyms, events, study rooms and club activities will be lifted.
Lauren Ashe, Gabriel Hawthorne and Carmo Moniz February 2, 2022

NYU will loosen its COVID-19 restrictions on campus starting Friday, Feb. 4, the university announced in an email sent Wednesday evening. NYU cited its booster requirement and...

NYU announced in a Jan. 12 email that the spring 2022 semester will be held in person. Senior leadership acknowledged that flexibility regarding in-person classes would only be offered temporarily at the start of the semester. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Some faculty unwilling to allow remote learning, despite NYU guidance

NYU’s return to in-person instruction has left some students struggling to receive virtual accommodations during the first week of classes.
Lauren Ashe, Carmo Moniz and Natalie Thomas January 25, 2022

Tisch first-year Indranil Basu decided to attend class remotely until COVID-19 cases dropped to a lower rate. But as NYU prepared to resume in-person instruction for the spring...

A study at NYU Langone found that vaccinated pregnant women can pass COVID-19 antibodies to their babies. Researchers hope the study will reduce vaccine hesitancy in pregnant people. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Vaccinated pregnant people pass COVID antibodies to their babies, Langone study finds

NYU researchers hope that the study results will diminish vaccine hesitancy among pregnant people.
Lauren Ashe, Staff Writer November 5, 2021

Jenna Silverstein got the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot while she was pregnant — one of the 35% of pregnant people aged 18-49 to receive a vaccine. Because Silverstein, an...

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded $750,000 to NYU and the University of Waikato. This grant funds a project that aims to protect the cultural knowledge and heritage of Native Americans, Māori and other First Nations communities. (Photo by Lauren Sanchez, Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Grant awarded to NYU-University of Waikato Indigenous studies project

The Equity for Indigenous Research and Innovation Coordinating Hub, a partnership between NYU and the University of Waikato, received a $750,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Lauren Ashe and Joyce Li October 21, 2021

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded NYU and the University of Waikato, located in New Zealand, a two-year $750,000 grant for a project aiming to protect the cultural heritage...

Students and their helper guests moved into NYU’s 22 residence halls during three move-in days. Students new and returning seemed undeterred by the university’s COVID guidelines surrounding move-in and reported a generally smooth process. (Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Students report a smooth dorm move-in experience after a peculiar year

After a year of remote and hybrid learning, students reflect on an uneventful transition to residence hall life.
Lauren Ashe, Staff Writer September 8, 2021

Students streamed through the doors of NYU’s 22 residence halls, boxes in hand and families in tow, during the fall 2021 move-in days between Aug. 27 and Aug. 29. Many students...