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Washington Square News
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person has a sign on them that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST” and they stand next to police officers.
NYU says it ‘never offered’ to disclose Israel investments, despite protesters’ claims
Yellow ballet slippers standing on top of a box under the Washington Square Arch.
The Soapbox: Puberty blocker ban in the UK, new president in Ghana and Netanyahu’s trial in Israel
A view from a rooftop of the city’s skyline.
NYU Langone outlines climate change initiatives in 2024 report
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
2 faculty members arrested at Bobst demonstration
People walking outside of a building that reads “STRAND BOOKS” while holding signs.
Strand Bookstore workers go on strike, demand higher wages
The front of a brick building with a white door. There is a sign to the right of the door that reads “SIGN OUR PETITION SAVE THE LANDMARK MERCHANT’S HOUSE”
A local museum’s campaign to keep its doors open
The exterior of the main entrance of N.Y.U. Langone Health center, located at 550 First Ave.
Researchers at NYU Langone deem kidney transplants between HIV-positive people safe
People stand in front steps lined with candles, while others light them.
NYU students join citywide youth to honor trans lives in Washington Square Park
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
NYU Langone calls on Gov. Hochul to reduce travel tolls for patients
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person has a sign on them that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST” and they stand next to police officers.
NYU says it ‘never offered’ to disclose Israel investments, despite protesters’ claims
A view from a rooftop of the city’s skyline.
NYU Langone outlines climate change initiatives in 2024 report
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
2 faculty members arrested at Bobst demonstration
An overhead shot of students sitting inside Bobst library. You can see the Palestinian flag and various banners next to them.
Students and faculty call for divestment from Israel at Bobst
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
An overhead shot of students sitting inside Bobst library. You can see the Palestinian flag and various banners next to them.
Students and faculty call for divestment from Israel at Bobst
A group of people stand with protest signs in front of a purple-colored construction wall and barricades
NYU Law admin threatens pro-Palestinian students with disciplinary action
A group of people stand with protest signs in front of a purple colored construction wall and barricades
Students protest police presence on campus outside Gould Plaza wall
An audience sitting in rows of wooden desks attentively listening in a well-lit conference room with large windows in the background.
NYU, UC Berkeley activists criticize crackdown on free speech at college campuses
A large group of people sit on the large staircase inside the lobby of New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life, with one person in the front row holding a sign with text “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” printed on it.
Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
The logo of New York University's Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.
Asian/Pacific/American Studies major lacks adequate representation, students and faculty say
An exterior shot of the Bronfman Center. On the left is the entrance of the building with a New York University sign that reads “STILL REQUIRED FACE MASK.” On the right is a plaque that reads “New York University 7 The EDGAR M. BRONFMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDENT LIFE”
NYU disputes failing grade on antisemitism report
Dr. Jonathan Haidt speaking in front of an audience with a presentation labeled “The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider” behind him.
Stern professor resigns from professional org. after refusing to write diversity statement
An illustration of a gray facade which reads “NYU School of Global Public Health”, with a purple banner that reads “NYU” on the right side, all against a pale background.
Women with disabilities more likely to report food insecurity, NYU study finds
A woman smiling against a black background with the words “N.Y.U. BEYOND” written to the left.
Beyond NYU: Opening doors to STEM for students of color nationwide
A close-up shot of a man wearing a blue-striped shirt and brown pants sitting in a floral-decorated staircase with big white words that say “BEYOND N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: From 8th-grade star to Broadway regular
A girl standing next to a lifesized cardboard cutout of herself, with the words “BEYOND N.Y.U.” written to her left.
Beyond NYU: Turning a creative outlet into a personal brand
A man standing in a suit holding a trophy, with “STUDENT ACADEMY AWARDS” written on the wall behind him and “BEYOND NYU” written to the right.
Beyond NYU: Documenting human rights abuses on camera
A man posing in front of a white backdrop with the words “Beyond N.Y.U.” illustrated next to him.
Beyond NYU: From high school debate to the Broadway stage
Doctor Carl Zimmer speaks from the wooden podium in Hemmerdinger Hall. An audience sits in front of him. Behind him is a projector screen displaying two images.
How science journalists reported on the ‘story of our lifetime’
A man wearing a dotted tie, a white shirt and a black suit jacket speaks in an online conference session. Behind him are a bookshelf and five clocks displaying times in different time zones.
Minnesota prof criticizes public health response at COVID-19 lecture
An illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination card in the background with a half-full syringe on the left of the foreground and a bottle reading “COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER” on the right.
Most NYU students haven’t received the bivalent booster, WSN survey finds
A building which has NYU and NYU Steinhardt flags hoisted from a walls.
After one month of checking visitor vax cards, NYU gives up
Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.
Immunocompromised students concerned following mask mandate removal
A plate of buttered naan topped with greens next to a plate of oysters
These 6 restaurants near NYU are joining the Michelin ranks
A bread circle on a black plate with a white cream sauce in a small, white bowl.
New eats near NYU: What even is Australian food? ACRU offers a fine dining answer
Two men in black T-shirts with an orange and blue “roam” logo printed on it stand in a hallway, smiling with their arms crossed.
The NYU student-founded startup helping international students roam through college with ease
A display with small cookies with various colors of icing and toppings on top of them.
‘Tis the season for finished finals and festive treats
A park with trees with bright Christmas lights.
Jolly lights and sights around the city
An illustration of a woman wearing a short red dress with a brown bow. They wear knee-high stockings and red kitten heels.
The Christmas song kit for a perfect winter fit
An illustration of simplified drawings of various forms of self-care like tea, a person wearing a face mask, and a person doing yoga on a blue background.
What it means to take care of yourself across different cultures
A display table with several decorative chocolates. Words on the front of the table read “LE CHOCOLAT, Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton.”
Fashion designers are cooking, literally
An illustration of various winter clothing items. Depicted in front of a snowy background is a fur coat, a gray sweater, brown ballet flats, a mannequin head with a furry hood and a pair of legs in a miniskirt wearing knee-high boots.
Winter fashion trend report 2024
Six pairs of various boots and loafers against a magenta background.
Booting out the basics: 6 unique Dr. Martens for the winter
A plate of buttered naan topped with greens next to a plate of oysters
These 6 restaurants near NYU are joining the Michelin ranks
A bread circle on a black plate with a white cream sauce in a small, white bowl.
New eats near NYU: What even is Australian food? ACRU offers a fine dining answer
A display with small cookies with various colors of icing and toppings on top of them.
‘Tis the season for finished finals and festive treats
The interior of a restaurant with several tables and bar seating. A staircase leading up to a second level is lined with garlands and holiday lights.
5 restaurants for a proper end-of-semester feast
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
An illustration of simplified drawings of various forms of self-care like tea, a person wearing a face mask, and a person doing yoga on a blue background.
What it means to take care of yourself across different cultures
On a light green background, four orange rectangles show hands making different signs in each one.
How multicultural sororities foster community at NYU
An illustration of a map of New York City with Filipino flags marking points on the map.
Finding community from Manila to Manhattan
The letters in my NetID differ from the name I go by. Here’s why.
The letters in my NetID differ from the name I go by. Here’s why.
An illustration of a silhouette of a person with short hair in front of several world landmarks and a turkey.
Home is where the heart finds its place
A collage of various N.Y.U.-specific illustrations in green and blue.
Ranked: NYU lore
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
An illustration of a taco fighting french fries boxing in a ring.
Ranked: Fast food near campus
(Gia Sidhu for WSN)
Ranked: Microtrends
A collage of three photos. On the left, a model walks in a black, lace bodysuit with knee–length tassels hanging from the neckline. In the middle, a model stands in front of a flashlight, wearing a high khaki-beige collar with layered circular cut-out on two sides, with a side slit skirt and knee high boots. On the right, a model wears an oversized blue pinstripe suit and a beige hat. There is a red bandana tied around their neck and collection of small red knotted ropes attached to one breast of their jacket.
Ranked: The top 5 looks from WSN’s NYFW coverage
A model wearing a long light-blue spaghetti-strap dress walks in the middle of 10 other models standing in a circle.
WSN at New York Fashion Week
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
Frederick Anderson delivers African glam and elegance in his Spring 2025 collection
A model wears a pink and green tweed jacket in front of clothing racks.
Californian brand St. John puts an edgy twist on vintage classics at NYFW
Two images of models side-by-side
Andrew Kwon’s ‘ephemeral’ embraces fantastical floral fashion
A model wearing a black hat and hoodie with orange accents, a white undershirt and black pants and shoes walks down a white tiled runway while carrying a beige bag with green leaves.
Flying Solo returns to NYFW, attempting to push the fashion envelope
Many pink and yellow books stacked on top of each other, with “MMXXIV” written on one side of the book in the middle and “STAFF LIST!” written on the other.
Staff Recs: The best books we read this year
Two women sit on a bright turquoise couch in a cozy, artfully decorated living room with artworks on the wall and a coffee table in the foreground decorated with books and mugs.
Review: ‘The Room Next Door’ closely examines death
An illustration of four colorful Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace. From left to right are purple, turquoise, green and red stockings that contain vinyl albums.
8 pop Christmas albums to broaden your holiday horizons
A group of four people smiling at a camera in a red room.
The Radio Relics on indie rock, Clive Davis and pissing off the neighbors
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
Many pink and yellow books stacked on top of each other, with “MMXXIV” written on one side of the book in the middle and “STAFF LIST!” written on the other.
Staff Recs: The best books we read this year
A photo of a half green and white book cover with a cat, three chairs and three mugs on a table. Displayed is the title “Before we forget kindness, a novel" and the author’s name “TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI.”
Review: The comforting magic of ‘Before We Forget Kindness’
Two greyscale photos of women, with “DIDION” at the top, an ampersand in the middle and “BABITZ” at the bottom. The one above holds a cigarette and the one below looks over her sunglasses.
Q&A: Lili Anolik on literary ‘It’ girls Joan Didion and Eve Babitz
Four illustrations of different book covers.
Books beyond Bobst: 2 collections of feminist essays, a critique of U.S. foreign policy and more
A man with glasses and a mustache wearing a blue jacket stands in front of the McDonald’s golden arches.
Mapping out McDonald’s
Two women sit on a bright turquoise couch in a cozy, artfully decorated living room with artworks on the wall and a coffee table in the foreground decorated with books and mugs.
Review: ‘The Room Next Door’ closely examines death
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
An illustration of a Christmas wreath wrapped in shiny gold ribbon and an ornament, with red and green sections showing different film posters. In the middle is the Netflix logo wearing a red santa hat.
Ranked: Every 2024 Netflix Christmas rom-com
Two men sit next to each other on a beach, a yellow blanket wrapped around their shoulders.
Review: ‘Queer’ is full of psychedelics and painful pining
A woman wearing a blindfold holding a piece of paperwork over her head.
Review: ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ distills national tensions into a suspenseful family drama
An illustration of four colorful Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace. From left to right are purple, turquoise, green and red stockings that contain vinyl albums.
8 pop Christmas albums to broaden your holiday horizons
A group of four people smiling at a camera in a red room.
The Radio Relics on indie rock, Clive Davis and pissing off the neighbors
A woman standing in a long, white dress in front of a building with a carousel behind her.
Q&A: Rising artist Zoe Tan on new single and her time at NYU
An album cover with various polaroids of a man, overlaid to make a whole body.
Review: On ‘Puss & Poems,’ no one complains like Jake Shane
(Courtesy of Universal Pictures)
Review: ‘Wicked: The Soundtrack’ ends on a high note — literally
An illustration of a hand holding a nutcracker on a blue background scattered with snowflakes.
Let out of the doll box: My retirement from ‘The Nutcracker’
Dancers dressed in soldier costumes lined up onstage.
The Rockettes don’t know when to tap out
Two people stand on a stage with their hands on a table, looking at each other.
Broke People Play Festival expands to uplift more student artists
A person wearing a blue suit with white sleeves holds the hand of a person wearing a pink dress while they sit on a beige couch in a set of a house.
Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ disguises mediocrity with a star-studded cast
Two women stand over a kitchen island, making a cup of coffee together.
Review: ‘The Roommate’ struggles to find its heart
Three balconies spiraling up with various art pieces on the walls and people perusing them.
Review: The Guggenheim’s new exhibition teaches a history lesson about a fleeting art movement
Ten paintings are hung up in a large group on a light purple gallery wall.
Review: ‘Toward Joy’ builds new frameworks for American art
An illustration of an armed man with a redacted face in front of a collage of U.S. conspiracy imagery.
Review: ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’ is annoyingly fun
A woman stands and looks up in front of abstract colors.
When I need to reconnect with myself, I go to museums
A collection of photographs pinned on beige boards on a white wall.
Review: Annie Leibovitz weaves together a tapestry of American culture
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
A red snake wrapped around a black and white rifle like the Rod of Ascelpius, in front of a blue background.
Off Topic: A shot heard around the health care sector
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
Opinion: Congestion pricing is the cure to NYC’s traffic crisis
A protester holds up a white sign that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST”.
Opinion: NYU must sever ties with Tel Aviv University
An illustration of the flags of Ukraine and the United States crossed in front of a black-and-white drawing of destroyed buildings.
Off Topic: A ceasefire in Ukraine isn’t as simple as you think it is
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.
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
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.
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Editorial: NYU must reckon with its actions at Gould Plaza
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
Opinion: Congestion pricing is the cure to NYC’s traffic crisis
An illustration of a rainbow-colored circle of holding hands. Inside the circle, there is an illustration of two people next to each other with a heart between them.
Opinion: Mutual aid keeps our communities alive — it’s time to get involved
Three people wearing purple graduation gowns and black graduation caps are standing raising diplomas. To the left is former N.Y.U. president standing behind a purple-and-white N.Y.U. sign.
Opinion: No longer behind bars, but not truly free
A stone bench with armrests on Astor Place.
Opinion: Hostile city planning hides homelessness, but doesn’t solve it.
The exterior of a public restroom in a park.
Opinion: Let New Yorkers be free to pee
A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.
Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote
A cobblestone street with brick buildings on the left side and white buildings on the right.
Opinion: Language & Cultural Houses are more than just quaint cottages splattered across campus
An illustration of a white speech bubble that reads “This shit sucks” in black font. Next to it, another speech bubble that is blue and reads “Right?”. Both speech bubbles are against a gray grid background.
Opinion: A 3-step guide to complaining correctly
An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.
Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs
An illustration of a tweet from user @A1exandraCohen with text “if i EVER get Twitter blue, just know it’s a cry for help.” against a blue background. The tweet has two likes.
Opinion: Students can save Twitter
An illustration of seven people standing at purple podiums. One of the podiums has a spotlight on it, with a person raising their hand under the light. There is another spotlight that highlights the words “UP FOR DEBATE”.
Up for Debate: Should NYU adopt institutional restraint?
An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”
Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?
A three person panel sitting in front of a crowd. The left person has a blue spotlight on them, the person in the middle has a red and blue spotlight and the person on the right has a red spotlight.
Opinion: Student activism in the age of Trump
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
An illustration of Donald Trump pointing his finger at a group of figures wearing graduation caps. Behind them are flags of the world.
Guest Essay: Studying as an international student under a second Trump administration
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
An illustration of a poster on a utility pole with a woman in the center with a question mark over her face. Above are the words “LINDA MILLS” and below are the words “Lookalike Contest.”
Off-Third: Linda Mills lookalike contest brings new crowd to Gould Plaza
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.
Off-Third: Eric Adams and Rudy Giuliani compete to be NYC’s most disgraced mayor
An illustration of a person with binoculars staring in awe at a woman wearing dark sunglasses and red lipstick.
Off-Third: How to stalk campus celebrities
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
Protesters holding hands amidst a crowd waving a Palestinian flag and holding signs that say “CEASEFIRE NOW LET GAZA LIVE!"
Guest Essay: Why we protest
Five panelists sit on a stage in front of a red curtain and a screen that reads “Listening from the Heart.”
Guest Essay: NYU in Dialogue’s ‘Shared Grief, Shared Hope’ panel was heartbreakingly healing
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
The photo is shot from behind a troupe of police in helmets surveying a group of protesters while the Washington Square Arch stands above them all.
Opinion: NYU’s hypocritical attitude toward student activism isn’t new
A student with long hair wearing five different graduation caps stacked on top of one another. There is a purple graduation cap falling off the top and the student is reaching out to catch it.
Opinion: NYU needs to give transfer students a better shot
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person wearing a keffiyeh is zip tied by a cop in protective gear.
Inside NYU’s 180-plus disciplinary cases against pro-Palestinian students and faculty
Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)
‘Extremely disturbing’: Concerns over academic freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi surface following policies restricting attire at graduation
A purple N.Y.U. flag hangs on a building.
A search firm failed to find misconduct allegations against NYU’s former athletics director. Here’s why.
File Photo: NYU Tisch School of the Arts located at 721 Broadway. (Katie Peurrung for WSN)
A Tisch professor disappeared during a misconduct investigation. Two semesters later, he’s scheduled to teach again.
An illustration of an outline of a referee yelling “OUT OF BOUNDS” with three buildings behind him.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Accra, London and Madrid
Two people wearing ski suits posing with their hands in the air in front of a snowy mountain with snow-covered trees in the background.
NYU’s Ski & Snowboard Club returns to the slopes for the 2025 season
A man in a dark coat standing outside in a park and smiling at the camera.
In the Huddle: Zach Knudsen on his aspirations and optimism for the upcoming season
NYU woman's basketball team celebrated their historic win at the University Senate meeting on March 28.
Why NYU Athletics?
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Basketball remains undefeated, wrestling sweeps meet and other news
In the panel titled Tisch, a girl with long braided hair, alternative clothing and round glasses types on a computer with sheets of paper flying around her. Her eyes are swirls and her expression is panicked as she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a 73-page play due tomorrow!” In the panel titled Stern, a man with short dark hair and rectangular glasses wears a suit saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have 500+ LinkedIn connections due tomorrow…” He holds a phone with a symbol of people and the number 500 while people shake hands in the background. In the panel titled Gallatin, a boy with wavy brown hair and goggles holds ropes while saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to weave a basket underwater tomorrow.” Another dialogue line reads “Yeah, that’s my concentration…” next to drawings of fish and baskets. In the panel titled Steinhardt, a girl with curly blonde hair and freckles stares at a phone while various electronic devices are scattered in the background including a phone with a caller ID saying “Kiara & Allina.” In a dialogue bubble she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to communicate tomorrow.” In the panel titled Tandon a boy with round glasses, a puffer vest, a quarter-zip sweater and dyed purple hair says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a robot due tomorrow!” Behind him is a robot holding a sandwich on a plate saying “YUMMY,” a laptop on a desk displaying “Chat G.P.T.” and a blackboard with various diagrams in white chalk. In the panel titled C.A.S. is a girl wearing a white lab coat and goggles over a pink shirt and saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to write an essay on bird migration in Ancient Greece due tomorrow!” She holds an open book while plucking a leaf off of an overhead branch with forceps, facing away from a desk where a beaker of green liquid overflows.
Cartoon: NYU during finals is just so … unique
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
In a grayscale comic, a person works at a desk in front of a computer next to a window showing a city in ruins with a fallen sign saying “TECH INDUSTRY.” In the bottom right corner is a thought bubble that says, “Why can’t I find an internship?”
Cartoon: Your major in computer science has been declared
A person in a white top, jeans and pink strawberry earrings sits on a park bench with a pink tote bag.
Style on the Square
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.'s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An illustration of Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, over a blue and red background.
The Election Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
The Fashion Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Welcome home, class of 2028
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
SPONSORED: Navigating mental health as a student: How Mid City TMS can support you
SPONSORED: How do I sublet my apartment this summer?
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
Mehr Kotval

Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor

Mehr Kotval is a junior at NYU studying Middle Eastern studies and Zoroastrian history. When she’s not in the WSN office, she’s probably listening to Kate Bush, sipping matcha or wandering around museums nodding seriously at art she totally gets. Send matcha recipes or cat pictures to @mehrkotval on Instagram or [email protected]

All content by Mehr Kotval
A red snake wrapped around a black and white rifle like the Rod of Ascelpius, in front of a blue background.

Off Topic: A shot heard around the health care sector

The public reaction to the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO reveals how broken the U.S. health care system is.
Mehr Kotval and Noah Zaldivar • December 13, 2024

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in broad daylight on the curb outside the Hilton in Midtown. A man wearing a hoodie — identified by the New York City...

A protester holds up a white sign that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST”.

Opinion: NYU must sever ties with Tel Aviv University

From deadly military technology to an “engineering war room,” NYU's partner institution Tel Aviv University is not only complicit in but also contributes to Israel's war crimes.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • December 11, 2024

On July 3, the Israeli military ordered the family of Muhammed Bhar, a 24-year-old man with Down syndrome and autism, to evacuate their home at gunpoint. During this altercation,...

A greyscale illustration of a stand of newspapers with hands reaching to grab them. On the middle newspaper is “LOCAL” and on the newspaper below is “NEWS.”

Every Greenwich Village resident should read these 4 newspapers

Local newspapers are a bedrock of democracy — and you need to read them. Here are four local newspapers in the city to keep up with.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • December 4, 2024

Local newspapers are the cornerstone of informed and engaged communities. They are often the most transparent and trustworthy news outlets, as they operate in service to their...

Four illustrations of different book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: 2 collections of feminist essays, a critique of U.S. foreign policy 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.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Yezen Saadah and Eva Mundo • December 2, 2024

“On Womanhood: Bodies, Literature, Choice” by Sophie Gilbert  “But the ability to shape the narrative in our own terms is a transformative one, as so many of the subjects...

A stone bench with armrests on Astor Place.

Opinion: Hostile city planning hides homelessness, but doesn’t solve it.

Anti-homeless structures are not only cruel but ineffective, as they simply displace and exacerbate the homelessness crisis rather than alleviate it.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • December 2, 2024

Hostile architecture has a pervasive presence in New York City, though it often goes unnoticed. If you have ever seen window ledges spiked with metal, a barred street corner, or...

An illustration of seven people standing at purple podiums. One of the podiums has a spotlight on it, with a person raising their hand under the light. There is another spotlight that highlights the words “UP FOR DEBATE”.

Up for Debate: Should NYU adopt institutional restraint?

Following a recent trend of universities adopting institutional neutrality, NYU has expressed commitment to practicing “institutional restraint” in order to give “respect to the diverse experience and backgrounds at NYU.”
Mehr Kotval, Noah Zaldivar, Omar Drissi and Naisha Roy • November 26, 2024

Naisha Roy, Editor-at-Large: The concept of institutional neutrality is inextricably linked to freedom of speech. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which gave...

People stand in front steps lined with candles, while others light them.

Photo: NYU students join citywide youth to honor trans lives in Washington Square Park

November 22, 2024

(Mehr Kotval for WSN)

An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”

Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?

Trump’s second term promises a shutdown of all diversity, equity and inclusion programs — here’s what’s at stake for higher education and what NYU should do in response.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • November 20, 2024

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his administration’s renewed attack on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives could mark a turning point for...

A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.

Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote

Trump courted the “bro” vote, exploiting the resurgence of toxic masculinity online to secure his election victory.
Annie Emans and Mehr Kotval • November 19, 2024

On Nov. 5, a sexist rant from Nick Fuentes — a Gen Z right-wing media personality, podcaster and Holocaust denier — went viral, sparking conversations about sexism among young...

A photograph of a building from across the street.

Opinion: NYU needs to provide medication abortions

Many universities have stepped up to provide medication-based abortions on campus. With reproductive rights under constant threat, NYU needs to follow suit.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • November 6, 2024

In the years following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been a slew of assaults on reproductive rights, including numerous states enacting aggressive and restrictive...

A red sign on top of a cardboard box reading “VOTE N.Y.C.” inside of a building.

Opinion: Understanding NYC’s 2024 ballot proposals

This November’s six ballot measures could reshape New York City’s governance — for better and, mostly, for worse. Here’s a breakdown of each so you can make an informed choice.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • November 4, 2024

For New York City residents, there’s more on the chopping block than Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Nov. 5. When entering the voting booth,...

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."

Where Trump and Harris stand on 6 key young-voter concerns

Emily Genova, Karina Rower, Krish Dev and Mehr Kotval • October 28, 2024

A collage of four book illustrations.

Books beyond Bobst: A novel longlisted for the National Book Award, a book by a trailblazing activist 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.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Hannah Marr and Tina Nejand • September 23, 2024

“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar tells the story of Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian immigrant struggling with sobriety and grief while living...

A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE W/ ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”

Opinion: NYU’s new code of conduct redefines political opposition as discrimination

The university’s updated student conduct policy weaponizes Title VI to stifle criticism of Israel by falsely equating critique of Zionism with antisemitism, a move NYU had claimed will not change existing policies.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • September 3, 2024

On Aug. 22, NYU emailed its student body, asking them to observe changes to its student conduct guidelines, specifically its Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy. Thinly...

A crowd of people holding up signs while marching through Washington Square Park.

A guide to navigating protests on campus

With student demonstrations on the rise, WSN has put together a guide on how to navigate protests — whether you choose to participate, observe or not engage at all.
Mehr Kotval, Opinion Editor • August 7, 2024

As you begin your time at NYU, you enter a campus that is a microcosm of global discourse, where passionate activism meets academic inquiry. You’ll encounter a diverse array...

People are standing in front of the Washington Square Arch beneath a large Palestinian flag.

Opinion: The case for closing NYU’s Tel Aviv site

In addition to disregarding humanitarian concerns, NYU’s continued operations in Israel contradict the university’s commitment to academic freedom and equality for all students.
Mehr Kotval, Staff Writer • April 22, 2024

WSN’s opinion section strives to publish op-eds, guest essays and letters to the editor that represent voices across the NYU community. If you’re interested in submitting an...

A purple sketch illustration of a sad girl. In the background are the words “Meal Swipes: 0” written repeatedly.

Photo: Opinion: NYU must stop heavily relying on student generosity to provide food security

Mehr Kotval, Contributing Writer • April 17, 2024

(Mehr Kotval for WSN)

A person sitting in front of a laptop whose screen is displaying a sexual assault prevention training portal.

Opinion: NYU’s sexual respect training is inadequate

In the face of the vast disparities in sex education across states and schools, NYU’s sexual respect training falls short.
Mehr Kotval, Contributing Writer • March 6, 2024

Graduating from a high school with abstinence-focused sex education, I felt ill-prepared to navigate the complexities of consent and healthy relationships when I entered college....