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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

An illustration of a wooden box in a park. A pair of legs with blue jeans and black Converse sneakers stands on top of the box. The box reads “WSN.”

The Soapbox: French pension reform, drought in Spain, migration in Italy

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.
Yezen Saadah, News Editor April 21, 2023

In France, protests rise after government approves pension law French President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial plan to raise the retirement age in the country from 62 to 64...

A paper straw with blue stripes in a plastic cup against a red wall.

Off-Third: The last straw: Dining hall paper straws turn students into climate deniers

Save the turtles — or don’t. Just give us our plastic straws back, climate-denying students say.
Naisha Roy, Deputy Opinion Editor March 29, 2023

After spending months grappling with dysfunctional paper straws, some NYU students are rejecting the university’s sustainability measures — and the idea of climate change as...

A line of activists with megaphones and signs stand in front of a large crowd of people. They hold a black banner with green text which reads “Climate Can’t Wait.” They are marching across the Brooklyn Bridge. The New York City skyline is in the background.

Fridays for Future protesters walk out of school to demand climate legislation

Thousands of high school and college students marched from Foley Square to the Brooklyn Bridge to protest government inaction on climate change.
Emma Grimes, Contributing Writer March 7, 2023

Thousands of people marched across the Brooklyn Bridge from Foley Square Friday afternoon, calling for legislators to pass a bill aimed at reducing net carbon emissions in New...

A black-and-white composite of several photos layered over one another depicting the philosopher Slavoj Zizek gesticulating wildly while speaking at a podium.

Slavoj Žižek is the public intellectual for an absurd world

The oratory style of Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek is as much performance as it is lecture.
Alex Tey, Editor-at-Large November 6, 2022
The oratory style of Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek is as much performance as it is lecture.
The Soapbox is a weekly news column rounding up stories worth reading for a global university. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

The Soapbox: COP26 climate summit edition

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk examining the major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Suhail Gharaibeh, Deputy News Editor November 5, 2021

In Glasgow, negotiators are left to figure out the nitty-gritty of the climate crisis The “high-level segment” of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) has...

The UN has done more than most realize to curb the effects of climate change. The organization is set to commence the Climate Change Conference on Oct. 31. (Photo by Camila Ceballos)

Opinion: The UN is taking substantial action against climate change

Despite climate defeatism and cynicism surrounding the U.N., the organization is making a difference in the fight for a greener future.
Camila Ceballos, Staff Writer October 25, 2021

As the United Nations prepares for this year's Climate Change Conference, starting on Oct. 31 in the United Kingdom, the efficacy of past efforts regarding climate change...

Sunrise NYU held a rally in Washington Square Park on Oct. 15. The climate justice group relaunched its initiative pushing NYU to divest from fossil fuels and private prisons. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Sunrise NYU revives university divestment campaign

The campaign urges the university to divest from fossil fuels and private prisons. Organizers held the first rally of the semester on Oct. 15.
Rachel Fadem, Deputy News Editor October 18, 2021

Sunrise Movement NYU, the local chapter of a nationwide student-led climate justice group, is launching a renewed Divest NYU campaign that aims to pressure the NYU administration...

12 - 05 Feature Climate Activist Stories

12 – 05 Feature Climate Activist Stories

Kate Lowe, Deputy Managing Editor December 6, 2019

Pay Attention to Middle America

Pay Attention to Middle America

The lack of coverage of issues faced by communities in Middle America delays any legislative progress that will improve the well-being of American society.
Gabby Lozano, Staff Writer November 21, 2019

The 2020 presidential election is well underway, and the first caucuses in Iowa are quickly approaching. As the primaries draw nearer, there has been increased scrutiny of the...

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Activists like Greta Thunberg and the Parkland kids are doing great work. But why are they the face of movements that started long before them?
Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 30, 2019

Greta Thunberg is a climate activist. You’ve probably heard of her because of the recent climate strikes or seen the subsequent social media posts applauding her for her work...

Greta’s Anger: A Shift Toward Accountability

Greta’s Anger: A Shift Toward Accountability

The reception of Greta Thunberg’s UN speech highlights the urgent need for new solutions to climate change and the need to hold those who’ve neglected the crisis accountable.
Cole Stallone, Opinion Editor September 30, 2019

Sixteen-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg’s impassioned speech at the United Nations Climate Summit caught the world’s attention. Despite this, it seems the full implications...

NYU Divest during a rally in 2016. (Photo by Jake Quan)

Student Decarbonization Efforts Gain Momentum

NYU Divest’s campaign for decarbonization may now finally be heard by the University Senate in a week, while NYU Divest plans to amplify its resolution by hosting a rally on the same day.
Meghna Maharishi, Deputy News Editor October 29, 2018
NYU Divest’s campaign for decarbonization may now finally be heard by the University Senate in a week, while NYU Divest plans to amplify its resolution by hosting a rally on the same day.