Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Off Topic: The alt-right is lying about free speech

Despite its supposed commitment to freedom of speech, the Trump Administration’s actions reveal its commitment to stifling political opposition and controlling narratives.
Noah Zaldivar, Opinion Editor February 26, 2025

One of the biggest talking points of the alt-right has been the so-called destruction of free speech, which they often blame on the rise of politically correct speech, or wokeness,...

A graphic with a screenshot of an email from Senior Vice President for University Life Jason Pina addressing N.Y.U’s commitment to enforcing its student conduct policies displayed on a purple background

Opinion: NYU’s conduct policies do more to silence students than protect them

The university’s expectations on student conduct are restrictive and not worth the loss of free expression, even in the face of emerging safety concerns on campus due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor November 14, 2023

Earlier this month, in the wake of increased on-campus tensions following the Israel-Hamas war, NYU sent students an email informing them of student conduct and protest guidelines....

Empty stairs of Kimmel Center for University Life at N.Y.U. An N.Y.U. Campus Safety Officer in an all-black uniform walks down the main steps. A black tape rope blocks off the bottom of the staircase.

Opinion: NYU shouldn’t have closed the Kimmel stairs

Students have the right to peacefully demonstrate, and restricting university spaces against that purpose conflicts with NYU’s values.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor October 20, 2023

The Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life is a center for student activism on campus. Whether it’s to hold protests like the Young Democratic Socialists of...

Two NYU Stern professors plan on starting an “anti-woke” university. The goal of the university is to fight “illiberalism” and promote “freedom of inquiry.” (Image via Wikimedia Commons and nyu.edu)

‘Anti-woke’ NYU professors want to start anti-woke university

The University of Austin, founded in an effort to promote free speech, has generated a lot of media buzz — but has yet to open a physical location or gain accreditation.
Carmo Moniz, Staff Writer December 14, 2021

Two NYU professors are among a group of intellectuals who plan to form a university founded under “the fearless pursuit of truth.” Former Stern professor Niall Ferguson and...

Matthew Hedges, a British doctoral student who was imprisoned last year in the UAE, and his wife, Daniela Tejada, at their wedding. (Courtesy of Matthew Hedges and Daniela Tejada)

Hedges Encourages Reflection on NYUAD

WSN spoke with formerly imprisoned U.K. academic Matthew Hedges and his wife Daniela Tejada over academic freedom in the UAE and at NYUAD.
Victor Porcelli and Meghna Maharishi February 19, 2019

British doctoral student Matthew Hedges was tortured last year during a months-long interrogation period and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates...

ESPN Controversy Highlights Sexism and Racism

ESPN Controversy Highlights Sexism and Racism

Amelia Reardon, Contributing Writer September 20, 2017
The question whether Jemele Hill was entitled to her opinion or whether she had crossed a line presented itself to the public. An even bigger question that arose, however, is if the White House crossed a line requesting for her removal.