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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

Leena Ahmed

Leena Ahmed, News Editor

Leena Ahmed is a senior studying international relations with a minor in French. When she’s not on her most used app on Screen Time, Gmail, she’s probably holed up somewhere on the fourth floor of the GCASL. During her free time, she enjoys reading autobiographies of absolutely anyone who’s written one, rewatching her favorite shows and hanging out with her family. You can email her at [email protected].

All content by Leena Ahmed
Thousands flood Yankee Stadium for all-university commencement

Thousands flood Yankee Stadium for all-university commencement

The ceremony comes amid backlash that keynote speaker Jonathan Haidt’s platform, built on criticizing technology use and progressive university culture, misrepresents graduates’ values.

Throngs of violet robes filled Yankee Stadium Thursday morning, music blaring as tens of thousands of graduates and guests arrived at NYU’s 193rd all-university commencement —...

GSOC members and supporters picket outside Bobst Library during the union’s strike in April 2021. (Alexandra Chan for WSN)

Grad student union kicks off bargaining with NYU

The union led with a push to improve hiring benefits, and will continue discussing compensation and protections for noncitizen student workers over the next few months.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor May 5, 2026

NYU’s graduate student union began negotiating its next contract with administrators on Monday, urging them to amend the university’s hiring practices for teaching and research...

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus. (Ray Qian for WSN)

NYU Abu Dhabi to hold in-person commencement

The ceremony will take place at an arena in Abu Dhabi, after the campus closed for two weeks amid Iranian strike threats.
Leena Ahmed and Nada Beltagui May 4, 2026

NYU Abu Dhabi will hold its 13th commencement ceremony in-person, following a wave of uncertainty on whether the event would be safe amid a cautious ceasefire between the United...

(Zara Surti for WSN)

Pro-Israel student rave disrupted by ultra-Orthodox Jews

While members of Students Supporting Israel moshed to electronic music in Washington Square Park, around three dozen protesters chanted and waved Palestinian flags.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor April 23, 2026

Nearly five dozen joined a Wednesday afternoon rave held by NYU’s chapter of Students Supporting Israel, playing live music and waving Israeli and American flags in Washington...

Members of the 32BJ SEIU union rallied on April 15. (Natalie Deoragh for WSN)

Strike averted after maintenance workers win agreement

Over 140 unionized workers at NYU will receive a gradual wage increase and retain medical benefits if they vote to ratify the contract next month.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor April 20, 2026

The union representing over 140 maintenance workers at NYU reached a deal with a labor bargaining agent on Friday, promising higher wages, pension increase and employee-funded...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Maintenance workers at NYU hold mock strike

The workers gathered in front of Palladium Hall and formed a practice picket line, four days before their union’s contract expires.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor April 17, 2026

Around a dozen maintenance workers at NYU held a “mock strike” on Thursday, preparing to withhold labor if their next contract does not meet demands for higher wages, employee-covered...

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)

NYU opens limited access to Abu Dhabi campus

Over 1,000 students, faculty and researchers have applied to reenter the campus following two weeks of closure “out of an abundance of caution.”
Leena Ahmed and Dharma Niles April 17, 2026

NYU is gradually reopening its Abu Dhabi campus, inviting students, faculty and researchers to request access to the site on a day-by-day basis after it closed for two weeks due...

(Natalie Deoragh for WSN)

Maintenance workers at NYU prepare for potential strike

Over 140 workers, part of a nationwide service union, will strike starting Tuesday if their demands for better wages and benefits are not met.
Leena Ahmed and Natalie Deoragh April 16, 2026

More than 140 unionized maintenance workers at NYU will strike on Tuesday if they do not win higher wages, increased retirement funds and employer-paid healthcare in their next...

Graduate Student Organizing Committee members gathered in Bobst Library for a study-in demanding a meeting with NYU administrators on Oct. 15. (Ivy Chan for WSN)

Grad student union to negotiate new contract next month

Four months before their contract expires, NYU’s graduate student workers will begin negotiating for better health care and higher salaries.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor April 14, 2026

NYU’s graduate student union will start bargaining for its next contract with the university on May 4, with plans to demand higher wages, expand health care benefits and increase...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Contract faculty officially approve agreement with NYU

Voting members overwhelmingly backed the contract guaranteeing salary increases, paid leave and academic freedom protections.
Leena Ahmed and Natalie Deoragh April 7, 2026

NYU’s contract faculty union ratified its first agreement with the university with over 98% of voting members in favor, securing new policies on salaries, benefits and academic...

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)

NYU temporarily closes Abu Dhabi campus amid Iranian strike threats

The Iranian government warned American universities in the Middle East of possible retaliation following U.S.-Israeli attacks on two Iranian universities.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor March 30, 2026

NYU Abu Dhabi closed its campus after Iran threatened to strike U.S.-affiliated universities in the Middle East — with Iranian officials advising community members to evacuate...

2025 Gallatin graduation ceremony student speaker Logan Rozos. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

NYU cancels live school graduation speakers

The university will now play a video of selected speakers’ pre-recorded remarks as they sit on stage.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor March 5, 2026

Graduation speakers will no longer give live remarks at school-based ceremonies and must instead record their statements for a video, in compliance with a policy NYU is rolling...

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus. (Ray Qian for WSN)

NYU Abu Dhabi students shelter amid Iranian strikes

The campus, located around five miles away from an impacted site, canceled its Monday classes and pivoted to remote instruction for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Leena Ahmed, Amanda Chen and Zachary Karp March 2, 2026

Students at NYU Abu Dhabi are sheltering in dorms after Iranian missiles landed around five miles away from the campus, part of a retaliatory attack following the U.S.-Israeli...

NYU Active Threat Preparedness Training certificate reportedly shot by GSAS administrator John Henderson. (Courtesy of anonymous NYU administrator)

8 bullet holes found in administrator’s active threat training certificate

An administrator reportedly fired at his co-worker’s certificate at a shooting range before returning it to the front desk of a GSAS building.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor January 30, 2026

A GSAS administrator fired several bullets at an active threat training completion certificate belonging to his co-worker, according to an incident report filed on Monday. John...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

NYU to hold Monday classes online

The NYU shuttle and Safe Ride services are temporarily disrupted, but most dining halls remain open.
Leena Ahmed, News Editor January 25, 2026

Monday’s classes will take place remotely as New York City faces a severe winter storm, Campus Safety head Fountain Walker announced in a Sunday email. The universitywide...

The assaulter was found squatting in university-owned Washington Square Village. (Taylor MacMillan for WSN)

7 employees suspended after squatter arrested in faculty housing

Doormen, security guards and the building’s superintendent were reportedly reinstated following a petition signed by nearly 200 residents.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor December 12, 2025

Seven employees at 2 Washington Square Village were suspended days after police arrested a squatter charged with assaulting an NYU student and stealing from residents, and were...

The Dibner Library at the NYU Tandon School for Engineering. (Neil Tawney for WSN)

NYU investigating Dibner Library graffiti as hate crime

Campus Safety and the NYPD are investigating anti-Black, anti-Indian and antisemitic graffiti in a study room at NYU’s Brooklyn campus.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor December 10, 2025

NYU is investigating graffiti found in a study room at Dibner Library as a hate crime after online groups drew attention to its anti-Black, anti-Indian and antisemitic rhetoric.  Campus...

(Rishi Gala for WSN)

Ring in the New Year with a preview of 5 upcoming releases

From psychological thrillers to film inspired romances, these books are bound to keep you hooked.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor December 10, 2025

Every year, millions of books are released worldwide — far too many to keep track of. Look out for these five books from New York Times bestselling authors hitting bookstores...

The student was attacked on a Broadway sidewalk while walking to class. (Taylor Grace Heller for WSN)

Man who assaulted student found squatting in NYU penthouse

The man was staying in a faculty residential complex between the Paulson Center and Bobst Library, where he also stole belongings from several residents.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor December 5, 2025

The man charged with assaulting an NYU student was reportedly found squatting in the penthouse of a university-owned building, where he was arrested on Tuesday for stealing belongings...

(Leena Ahmed for WSN)

Freedom Flotilla activist joins faculty vigil for Palestine

The vigil was held outside of Bobst Library to conclude a weekly fast organized by NYU’s Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor November 20, 2025

Around a dozen faculty and students held a Wednesday vigil for Palestine outside Bobst Library to conclude their weekly “Gaza Solidarity Fast,” which aims to bring attention...

(Maryam Lootah and Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: A feminist thriller, a tale of art forgery and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century” by Edward Dolnick “The Forger’s Spell: A True Story of Vermeer,...

(Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Tensions flare as College Dems claim Reps hijacked club meeting

The reported disruptions led NYU to cancel the clubs’ biannual debate and have incited several targeted Instagram posts.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor November 14, 2025

NYU’s College Democrats said they were “forced” to end their weekly meeting early last week after members of the College Republicans disrupted the event, just a few days...

(Max Van Hosen and Kyra Reilley for WSN)

The Soapbox: Floods in Spain, Shein scandal in France and bribery trial in Argentina

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN covering major news developments at NYU’s campuses and study away sites abroad. Global consciousness for a global university.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor November 7, 2025

In Spain, hurricane shuts down airport operations High winds disrupted operations at Barcelona’s El Prat airport on Thursday and nearby regions are experiencing severe flooding...

(Leena Ahmed for WSN)

19 arrested in Washington Square Park drug bust

NYU said it was “pleased” that the park is now under heightened, round-the-clock police surveillance.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor November 4, 2025

Washington Square Park is under heightened surveillance after 19 people were arrested on Thursday for involvement in a yearslong narcotics network that resulted in at least two...

(Leena Ahmed for WSN)

Professors criticize Trump compact at town hall

Members of an NYU faculty group called on the university to take a more aggressive stance against the Trump administration and its threats to cut funding.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 30, 2025

Professors across East Coast universities called for institutions to reject President Donald Trump’s contract offering “multiple positive benefits” to schools that meet a...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

NYU standardizes policy for incomplete grades

The new policy will allow monthslong extensions for students who fail to submit coursework due to unavoidable reasons, with approval from a professor.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 22, 2025

Starting this semester, students across all NYU schools can request temporary extensions if they’re suddenly unable to finish their coursework before the end of the semester,...

NYU confirmed that a September letter to alumni included an AI-generated image. (Courtesy of Peter Slattery)

NYU confirms use of AI art in alumni donation letter

The distorted image was created by a freelance artist who used artificial intelligence, potentially violating the university’s guidelines.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 21, 2025

NYU administrators confirmed that a letter sent to over 35,000 alumni featured an image generated by artificial intelligence, likely violating university policy that mandates that...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

Grad union stages Bobst study-in to demand meeting with admin

Graduate student workers said their contract rights were not respected during disciplinary hearings last semester.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 16, 2025

Around a dozen members of NYU’s graduate student union gathered on the first floor of Bobst Library at a Wednesday study-in, demanding that the university meet with them to discuss...

(Ivy Chan for WSN)

Students and faculty commence ‘solidarity fast’ in Bobst

Two on-campus organizations plan to lead a fast every Wednesday through the rest of the semester, aiming to bring awareness to famine in Gaza.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 9, 2025

Around two dozen students and faculty gathered for their first weekly “Gaza Solidarity Fast” in Bobst Library on Wednesday, calling attention to the ongoing famine in Gaza...

(Owen Correll for WSN)

Students join hundreds in citywide Oct. 7 protest

The demonstration called for divestment from Israel and follows two years of heightened protest at NYU and across New York City.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 8, 2025

NYU students joined over 1,000 demonstrators in a citywide protest Tuesday evening that marked the second year of escalated conflict in Gaza, calling attention to the climbing...

(Courtesy of Arild Vågen)

Students walk out of Berlin safety training

A police officer reportedly discouraged students from using pro-Palestinian phrases and presented racially stereotyped imagery at the mandatory event.
Leena Ahmed and Amanda Chen October 7, 2025

Over a dozen students walked out of a mandatory safety training at NYU Berlin when a local police officer reportedly advised against the use of pro-Palestinian phrases and spread...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

NYU Law cancels pro-Israel speaker due to ‘security concerns’

The Oct. 7 event was reportedly called off because of an “increased likelihood of demonstrations and protests,” and will now take place off campus.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor October 3, 2025

An Oct. 7 discussion featuring a pro-Israel activist was moved off campus after NYU Law administrators told students to postpone it as a preemptive measure against potential protest...

(Lauren Sanchez for WSN)

NYU ‘well prepared’ for gov’t shutdown, admin says

Administrators said a government shutdown will have no immediate impact on research, financial aid or visa and passport applications.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 30, 2025

Senior administrators said that while they are closely monitoring federal developments, they do not expect NYU to face “immediate or significant” fallout from the looming government...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

NYU drops 2 spots in US News rankings

The university is now ranked No. 32, sharing a spot with the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of California, Davis and University of California, Irvine.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 23, 2025

NYU fell two spots in the latest university rankings from U.S. News & World Report, placing it at No. 32 out of 436 four-year institutions across the country.  Last year,...

A white and purple Campus Safety vehicle.

‘The wrong solution’: Black student groups claim NYU withheld information during shooting threat

President Linda Mills responded to student criticism in a Sunday email and said the university will hold an information session to address further concerns this week.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 15, 2025

Black student advocacy groups, including NYU’s Black Student Union and Black Law Students Association, criticized the university for a “lack of transparency” when informing...

(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

French mathematician, longtime NYU professor to head Courant

The transition comes as NYU prepares to consolidate its computer science and data science programs under the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 15, 2025

Courant professor of nearly 15 years Gérard Ben Arous will intermittently lead the school as it expands to encompass NYU’s Center for Data Science and the Tandon School...

Ebtesham Ahmed leads a chant during rally in Garibaldi Plaza (Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Students rally for ‘no compliance’ with Trump administration in Washington Square Park

Members of NYU’s Students for a Democratic Society called for greater resistance to federal policies on immigration and transgender rights at its first protest of the semester.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 11, 2025

Over a dozen students gathered in Washington Square Park Wednesday evening, calling for NYU to declare itself a “sanctuary campus,” publicly pledge to protect transgender rights,...

(Kevin Wu for WSN)

Jewish nurse sues NYU Langone, claiming revoked bonus over pro-Israel posts

Leviah Ehrlich said the medical center forced her to apologize and return a recent pay raise after she posted content ‘wrought with bias and hatred’ a few days after Oct. 7, 2023.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 8, 2025

A Jewish nurse is suing NYU Langone Health after hospital administrators told her to apologize for posting pro-Israel content on her private Instagram days after Oct. 7, 2023,...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Kimmel staircase ‘seating pods’ open to students, nearly 2 years after closure

The new seating spaces, announced last semester, were part of a plan to renovate the staircase due to concerns of protest activity, inaccessibility and security.
Leena Ahmed, Deputy News Editor September 5, 2025

The Kimmel Center for University Life unveiled long-awaited seating pods built into its Grand Staircase just ahead of this academic year, nearly two years after the university...

A Film and Television student receiving their symbolic diploma silently protests by raising their hands to reveal “NO JUSTICE” and “NO PEACE." (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Protests persist across Tisch, law school graduations

Faculty members tied their mouths shut with cloth and students held signs advocating for free speech and divestment from companies with ties to Israel.
Leena Ahmed, Contributing Writer May 22, 2025

Dozens of graduates and faculty quietly called for expanded free speech policies and divestment from companies with ties to Israel at NYU’s school-specific graduation ceremonies,...

An NYU administrator said that all affected students' legal statuses have been restored. (Renee Yang for WSN)

Deans hold info sessions on recent visa revocations

Only NYU affiliates with recorded misdemeanors have seen changes to their visa statuses, according to administrators from the Office of Global Services.
Amanda Chen and Leena Ahmed April 18, 2025

Over the past week, deans across NYU schools held in-person sessions for students and faculty after President Linda Mills confirmed that “some” members of the community had...

Nurses fired at NYU Langone rehired after 2-year legal battle

Nurses fired at NYU Langone rehired after 2-year legal battle

The nurses were terminated in 2022 after the medical center’s Brooklyn hospital accused them of failing to assist a woman who gave birth in a hallway.
Leena Ahmed, Contributing Writer February 19, 2025

NYU Langone Health reportedly rehired nine nurses earlier this month after an arbitrator asserted that it had wrongfully terminated them in 2022, when the medical center claimed...