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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

Diamond Naga Siu

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor

Diamond Naga Siu is the News Editor for the Washington Square News and is a sophomore studying Journalism and Educational Human Rights in Gallatin. When she isn’t telling bad puns or eating everything in sight, you can find her volunteering with children, meandering the streets or talking too much. Diamond Naga jumped coasts from Los Angeles to New York City, so she stubbornly still flips and flops through the coldest winter days. But no matter where she goes, she always follows her life motto to just keep cheesin’: you either keep smiling or keep eating cheese. Follow her on Twitter.

All content by Diamond Naga Siu
Students suddenly flooded Kimmel on Friday for a general protest. Anybody was allowed to protest anything they wanted, as long as they showed solidarity.

Photo: Protests on Kimmel Stairs for No Reason, ‘We’re Just Angry’

Emily Fagel, Copy Chief March 31, 2017

Students suddenly flooded Kimmel on Friday for a general protest. Anybody was allowed to protest anything they wanted, as long as they showed solidarity.

Pharrell Williams to Debut New Song at Commencement

Pharrell Williams to Debut New Song at Commencement

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 31, 2017
Pharrell Williams, set to speak at the 2017 all-university commencement, plans to drop a new single during the ceremony.
Pharrell Williams is 2017 Commencement Speaker

Pharrell Williams is 2017 Commencement Speaker

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 30, 2017
Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams is the 2017 Commencement speaker, and he will receive an honorary degree alongside six other people.
CAS senior Wyatt Tyler, who was set to graduate with an Environmental Studies degree this May, passed away on Saturday after falling from his friend's apartment building window. He was a politically and socially active student — especially for environmentally-related causes — and people close to him attributed his large network of friends to his dynamic personality.

In Remembrance: CAS Senior Wyatt Tyler

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 28, 2017
In remembrance of CAS senior Wyatt Tyler who passed away on Saturday, Washington Square News spoke with those closest to him. He will receive a posthumous degree from NYU this May.
Namaste-ing Mentally Present

Namaste-ing Mentally Present

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 27, 2017

Rather than just visiting the Wellness Center for stress or other mental health burdens, MindfulNYU provides students free and educational resources to help them live in the moment....

Up-and-Comers 2017

Up-and-Comers 2017

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 23, 2017

Up-and-Comers 2017

Up-and-Comers 2017

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief March 23, 2017

Turning to a random person at NYU and hearing what they’ve done always makes me marvel at how successful that student is: balancing a full credit load, maintaining a social life,...

The Health Issue

The Health Issue

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 27, 2017

The Health Issue

The Health Issue

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 27, 2017

Health comes from the ethereal to very physical — whether a motivational quote gets you through the day or slipping on a condom gets you through the night, many factors help...

Health Beyond the Body

Health Beyond the Body

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 27, 2017

I recite a short mantra before eating, whisper blessing words when I’m uncertain and as a female, shave my hair. But when asked if I’m religious, I always say no — these...

The Director of Professional Standards and Accreditation Manager, Heba Nassef Gore, and the Associate Vice President of Public Safety, Fountain Walker. The pair are working to implement a program designed to offer professional development resources to security organisations.

Photo: NYU Public Safety Attempts to Secure Accreditation

February 27, 2017

The Director of Professional Standards and Accreditation Manager, Heba Nassef Gore, and the Associate Vice President of Public Safety, Fountain Walker. The pair are working to...

The 2017 Housing Guide

The 2017 Housing Guide

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2017

usa to madrid

Photo: Madrid: Home Away from Home

Abigail Weinberg, Staff Writer February 23, 2017

The 2017 Housing Guide

The 2017 Housing Guide

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2017

When the Housing Guide came out last year, I remember poring over it with my prospective roommate: grabbing a stack, ripping them up and ordering the dorms in various ways. We...

Gramercy Green

Gramercy Green

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2017

Residency: Upperclassmen Estimated yearly cost: $13,048 – $18,494 Low-cost rooms available: Yes Commute to class: 20-25 minute walk to WSP, 30-40 minute subway ride to...

Brittany Hall

Brittany Hall

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2017

Residency: Freshmen Estimated yearly cost: $12,476 – $14,040 Low-cost rooms available: No Commute to class: 10 minute walk to WSP, 25-30 minute subway ride to Tandon Nearby...

020717_FollowUp_DiamondNagaSiu-1

Photo: Timeline of Controversial Figures at NYU

Sayer Devlin, Deputy News Editor February 21, 2017

dnags13

Photo: Exposure | First Frozen Memories

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 14, 2017

NYUCR members tried to block the protesters when Gavin McInnes spoke on Feb. 2, 2017. Since the NYUCR hosted the event, the club has increased in members.

Photo: McInnes Boosts Club Appeal

Tom Miritello, Contributing Writer February 13, 2017

NYUCR members tried to block the protesters when Gavin McInnes spoke on Feb. 2, 2017. Since the NYUCR hosted the event, the club has increased in members.

Georgine F/W 2017

Georgine F/W 2017

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief February 11, 2017
The Georgine Fall/Winter 2017 demonstrated its place in and of the city with its designs inspired by iconic hotels that housed famous dwellers.
The presence of Gavin McInnes, alt-right co-founder of VICE, incited a riot on campus last Thursday that resulted in 11 arrests.  Various political groups on campus reacted to the protest in different ways.

Photo: Political Groups on Campus Review Decision to Host Gavin McInnes

February 7, 2017

The presence of Gavin McInnes, alt-right co-founder of VICE, incited a riot on campus last Thursday that resulted in 11 arrests. Various political groups on campus reacted to...

Ta-Nehisi Coates, esteemed journalist and author of “Between the World and Me,” is expected to join the NYU faculty starting September 2017.

Ta-Nehisi Coates to Teach at NYU

Natasha Roy and Diamond Naga Siu January 31, 2017
Acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates will be joining NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism school as a Professor.
People attended the rally hosted by the Council On American-Islamic Relations in Washington Square Park in light of President Donald Trump's ban on immigrants from countries with a high Islamic population.

People Flock to Washington Square Park for Emergency Rally

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief January 25, 2017
The Council On American-Islamic Relations is hosting a rally in Washington Square Park in light of President Donald Trump's ban on immigrants from countries with a high Islamic population.
At the emergency rally on Jan. 25, New Yorkers came together to show solidarity with the Muslim American and immigrant communities.

Photo: Emergency Rally for Muslim and Immigrant Rights Held in Washington Square Park

Jemima McEvoy and Sayer Devlin January 25, 2017

At the emergency rally on Jan. 25, New Yorkers came together to show solidarity with the Muslim American and immigrant communities.

During their game on Sunday against the University of Chicago, freshman Ted Georgiadis scored 12 points.

Sports Update: The Winter Action

Diamond Naga Siu, Editor-in-Chief January 23, 2017
While classes, mostly, weren't in session, NYU's athletes were still competing hard, here's what you missed.
Anami Nguyen

Anami Nguyen

The Altruistic Innovator
Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor December 8, 2016

A German hip hop artist covered in lettuce convinced Anami Nguyen to become a vegetarian — she was seven years old at the time. “It clicked to me that if you want to eat...

Fall 2016 Crime Recap

Fall 2016 Crime Recap

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor December 5, 2016
An analysis of all the crimes reported to NYU Public Safety during Fall 2016.
After nationwide support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the US Army Corps of Engineers have rerouted the Dakota Access Pipeline around the reservation.

Photo: DAPL Reroute: Divest Wants More

December 5, 2016

After nationwide support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the US Army Corps of Engineers have rerouted the Dakota Access Pipeline around the reservation.

Amid claims that NYU does not foster an inclusive environment for people of color, a new lawsuit against the university claims that an employee faced discrimination in his time here.

NYU Hit With Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination and Retaliation

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor December 1, 2016
A painter employed by NYU has filed a lawsuit against the university on the grounds of discrimination.
Former Prime Minister of Cuba Fidel Castro died on Nov. 25, and NYU students have something to say about it.

NYU Reacts: Former Cuba President Fidel Castro Dies at 90

Diamond Naga Siu and Jemima McEvoy November 29, 2016
NYU students react to the death of Cuba's former president, Fidel Castro.
Mayor De Blasio continued to show his support for the Democratic Party by declaring New York as a sanctuary city.

Thanksgiving News Update

Diamond Naga Siu and Lexi Faunce November 28, 2016

While NYU students decompressed after midterms and stuffed their faces with turkey over Thanksgiving break, the news cycle had a number of breaking stories develop during the start...

Michael Rectenwald, Liberal Studies clinical assistant professor, has been condemned and punished by members of the department for his controversial @antipcnyuprof twitter account.

Anti-PC NYU Professor Is Now Promoted

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 18, 2016
Michael Rectenwald, known as "Deplorable NYU Professor," has been given full professorship.
The post-it notes covering Anastasiya Muravyeva's  door on Nov. 17 displayed rhetoric commonly employed by white nationalists, like "white pride" and "make America white again."

Post-Its With Swastika, ‘White Pride’ Found on Gramercy Door

Sayer Devlin and Diamond Naga Siu November 17, 2016
A student living in the Gramercy Green residence hall found her door covered in post-it notes displaying pro-Trump rhetoric on Thursday morning.
NYU students and staff crowd the stairs of Kimmel at an MSA rally.

NYU Islamophobia Post-Trump Election

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 17, 2016
Islamophobia increased around both the nation and the university after Donald Trump became president-elect, and two Muslim females shared their narratives with the current political climate.
Students stood on the steps of Kimmel on Tuesday to show their support for the No Dakota Access Pipeline Movement.

Divest Rallies With National Standing Rock Movement

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 16, 2016
Divest stood in solidarity with Standing Rock during its pre-rally on Kimmel's staircases that happened before they joined a larger rally in the Financial District — a nationwide effort that occurred in various cities today.
Trump supporters outside of the Hilton on the night of the Election with posters against Hillary.

How Did We Get These Candidates?

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 9, 2016

There has never and will never be another election quite like the 2016 presidential race. Russell Hardin, a Professor of Politics and Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the Social...

LS Professor Michael Rectenwald has condemned a former NYU professor for a tweet he considered to be inciting violence.

Anti-PC Professor in High Demand

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 7, 2016
Even in light of recent controversy, it seems that many students are still interested in taking Michael Rectenwald's classes.
LS Professor Michael Rectenwald has condemned a former NYU professor for a tweet he considered to be inciting violence.

Photo: NYU’s Deplorable Professor Goes After John Jay Professor Over ‘Dead Cops’

September 27, 2017

LS Professor Michael Rectenwald has condemned a former NYU professor for a tweet he considered to be inciting violence.

The Native American and Indigenous Students Group has criticised the lack of a Native American and Indigenous Studies program in the past, claiming NYU’s status as a global institute should mean it represents all cultural identities.

Photo: First Round of Approval for Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor

April 19, 2017

The Native American and Indigenous Students Group has criticised the lack of a Native American and Indigenous Studies program in the past, claiming NYU’s status as a global institute...

Michael Rectenwald, Liberal Studies clinical assistant professor, has been condemned and punished by members of the department for his controversial @antipcnyuprof twitter account.

University Gives Anti PC Professor Ultimatum on Paid Leave

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 3, 2016
The controversy between NYU and Michael Rectenwald, better known by his Twitter alias Deplorable NYU Prof continues after his Washington Post op-ed.
Public Safety is updating its old blue light locations to make them more visible.

Photo: Blue Lights Aim to Improve Campus Safety

Faith Gates, Staff Writer November 3, 2016

Public Safety is updating its old blue light locations to make them more visible.

Coles has been closed for demolition since February 2016.

A Preliminary Look at the New Coles

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 1, 2016
NYU submitted a new building proposal to the New York City Department of Buildings.
The Cube, originally installed in 1967, can be found on Astor Place in the East Village.

NYU Reacts: The Return of the Astor Place Cube

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor November 1, 2016
Students react to the cube sculpture on Astor Place.
Michael Rectenwald, Liberal Studies clinical assistant professor, has been condemned and punished by members of the department for his controversial @antipcnyuprof twitter account.

Anti-PC NYU Professor Put on Paid Leave

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 31, 2016
Deplorable NYU Professor is now on paid leave for the rest of the semester.
After students petitioning and protesting, NYU has finally announced that menstrual hygiene products will be free this coming spring.

How NYU Got Here: No Cost Menstrual Hygiene Products

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 27, 2016
A timeline of NYU's efforts to provide menstrual hygiene products to students.
The former president of Tisch Asia is suing NYU, claiming that the university did not follow proper procedure in her firing.

Former Tisch Asia President Sues NYU for the Second Time

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 26, 2016
Former Tisch Asia President Pari Shirazi is suing NYU.

DREAM Team

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 24, 2016

While discussions of diversity and privilege often arise on campus, one privilege is often overlooked — citizenship. The DREAM Team at NYU tries changing that by focusing on...

Michael Rectenwald, Liberal Studies clinical assistant professor, has been condemned and punished by members of the department for his controversial @antipcnyuprof twitter account.

Q&A with a Deplorable NYU Professor

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 24, 2016
WSN sat down with Deplorable NYU Professor.
After students petitioning and protesting, NYU has finally announced that menstrual hygiene products will be free this coming spring.

Free Menstrual Hygiene Products Come to NYU

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 24, 2016
NYU will begin providing free menstrual hygiene products to its students.
The NYU Student Government hosted afternoon tea with President Andy Hamilton on October the 18th, at Kimball Hall.

Hamilton’s Afternoon Tea Talking Points

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 18, 2016
President Hamilton hosted a town hall over tea to discuss affordability and answer student questions.
Milo Yiannopoulos has sparked controversy as one of the online leaders of the alt-right movement. Yiannopoulos, who had his scheduled talk at NYU canceled, is currently touring college campuses across the country.

Milo Yiannopoulos Talk Canceled Due to Security Concerns

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 16, 2016
NYU canceled a College Republicans talk on Nov. 17, where they planned to host British journalist Milo Yiannopoulos as part of his "Dangerous Faggot Tour."
NYU provides many resources for the LGBTQ community, but some students feel as if it lacks trans-specific initiatives.

Q&A: T-Party and Trans Visibility on Campus

Lexi Faunce and Diamond Naga Siu October 11, 2016
In the wake of LGBT History Month, WSN talked with two transgender students to better understand their experiences at NYU.
A shot from a Tisch Asia student Quester Hannah’s (‘14) second year film  ‘King of Guangzhou.’

Tisch Asia Student Opens Up About Program

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 11, 2016
WSN speaks with a Tisch Asia student about his experience at the university.
NYU Reacts: Second Presidential Debate

NYU Reacts: Second Presidential Debate

NYU students weigh in on last night's presidential debate.
Since its inception, the NYU Diversity and Inclusion Task Force has hosted many events, such as the diversity talk during the Presidential inauguration.

University Diversity Task Force Update

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor October 3, 2016
The co-chairs of the NYU Diversity and Inclusion Task Force discuss their progress since the task force's formation last November.
CAS alumna Allie Cai shares her experience of the Hoboken train crash.

The NYU Alum on the Hoboken Train Crash

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 29, 2016

On Thursday, Sept. 29, Allie Cai boarded the New Jersey Transit train from Secaucus, NJ to Hoboken, NJ for another day of work. She just graduated from CAS with a degree in...

NYU inaugurated Andrew Hamilton as its 16th President on Sunday, while focusing on the university’s biggest issues and concerns, such as affordability and diversity.

Hamilton Aims High at Inauguration

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 26, 2016

  Bagpipes played on Sunday morning to commence the 16th presidential inauguration of NYU for Andrew Hamilton. The full crowd in the Skirball Center stood for the anthem,...

Connecting NYU and NYC Through LGBTQ History

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 26, 2016

Proudly nestled on the sixth floor of Kimmel, the NYU LGBTQ Student Center has worked with students for half a century. It celebrates its 20th birthday this year, and the center’s...

Student activists gather outside of Bobst, where they remained chanting while organizers entered into the library to speak with the University representatives.

NYU SLAM Petitions in Bobst for Student Representation on Board of Trustees

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 24, 2016
NYU SLAM held a protest outside of Bobst, eventually migrating to the 12th floor, to petition the University to include a student representative on the Board of Trustees.
NYU didn't completely ban the box this past August, and students with previous violations of rape and sexual assault are still allowed to attend the university.

Enrollment of Student Accused of Rape Brings Up Ban the Box Questions

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 23, 2016
A student who was suspended from Cornell for sexual assault now attends NYU, and students are torn about the ban-the-box discussion.
NYU has set up a whole week of events preceding President Hamilton’s inauguration.

Inaugural Week Marks New Era

Diamond Naga Siu, Lexi Faunce and Abraham Gross September 19, 2016
For Hamilton, inauguration week is less a celebration of him than a reconciliation and celebration of NYU as a whole.
Proudly proclaiming his Trump allegiance, Nachmany changed his Facebook profile picture with the caption “Let’s make America great again.”

Trump Controversy Reaches State Level

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 19, 2016
The New York College Republicans Federation has been plunged into controversy as Cornell Republicans threatened to sue SPS senior Eli Nachmany for decertifying the club after it officially endorsed Libertarian Gary Johnson.
Emergency vehicles respond to an explosion in Chelsea, shutting down the surrounding two-block area.

Photo: Explosion in Chelsea “Intentional,” Injures 29

Alex Bazeley and Bobby Wagner September 17, 2016

Emergency vehicles respond to an explosion in Chelsea, shutting down the surrounding two-block area.

NYU Service vs. NYC Social Issues

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 16, 2016

NYU boasts a long history of civic unrest, and the students have a reputation for engaging with its community. In addition to protests and rallies, students interact with communities...

NYU is faced with a $16 million lawsuit against a former employee who claims he was discriminated against.

Ex-NYU Professor Sues For $16 Million Over Discrimination

Diamond Naga Siu and Abraham Gross September 14, 2016
Former Steinhardt professor Kaya Abe is suing the University for alleged discrimination, withholding his wages and finally ending his employment at the school because of his age and Japanese background.
President-elect, Donald Trump, proposed many ideas during his presidential campaign, but due to their equivocation on the major issues, here are the top 6 that will impact NYU students.

Divide Among NYU College Republicans Over Endorsing Trump

Diamond Naga Siu and Abraham Gross September 13, 2016
With the election only weeks away, NYU College Republicans are divided over endorsing their party's nominee.
The new Starbucks is located on Waverly Place and Mercer St, only a few blocks from the Starbucks at Faye's.

Photo: New Campus Starbucks Raises Concern

Faith Gates, Contributing Writer September 12, 2016

The new Starbucks is located on Waverly Place and Mercer St, only a few blocks from the Starbucks at Faye's.

Two bright beams shine from the 9/11 Memorial’s reflecting pools, marking the sky with a ghost of where the Twin Towers once stood.

How NYU Remembers 9/11

Diamond Naga Siu, Lexi Faunce and Abraham Gross September 12, 2016
NYU students discuss how they commemorate Sept. 11 fifteen years after the tragedy.
Last Friday, a large crowd gathered in Washington Square Park to rally against the the Dakota Access Pipeline that would endanger the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota.

Greenwich Village Stands Up for Standing Rock

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 12, 2016
Native Americans and their allies gathered in Washington Square Park on Friday to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Rubin and Chapelle S/S 2017

Rubin and Chapelle S/S 2017

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 9, 2016

The Rubin and Chapelle Spring/Summer 2017 show went as smoothly as the silk that composed all the outfits. The low key event started when the first model strutted onto the...

The conversation over safe spaces was sparked again following a UChicago decision.

Safe Spaces: The New Cryptic Buzzword

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor September 6, 2016
NYU students weigh-in on the presence of safe spaces on college campuses.
Here's What You Missed at NYU This Summer

Here’s What You Missed at NYU This Summer

Diamond Naga Siu and Bourrée Huang August 28, 2016

NYU kept active for the three months of summer break even after the exodus of students from the city.  In addition to record-breaking heat and the Washington Square Park fountain...

A 33 hour sit-in in March seems to have persuaded the university to change its policy regarding asking applicants about criminal background.

NYU Removes Question Regarding Criminal History From Its Application

Diamond Naga Siu, News Editor August 3, 2016
The move comes on the heels of heated protests during the spring semester from students hoping the university would change what they felt to be an unfair policy.