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

A birds-eye view of the entrance of Bobst Library, where there are glass revolving doors, a security area, and a black, white and grey chequered floor.

Mask mandate removal changes little for mostly maskless students

NYU dropped its mask mandate for classrooms and the library on Sept. 28, but the number of students wearing masks in Bobst on the first day of the policy reversal barely changed.
Katie Groome, Contributing Writer September 29, 2022

The end of NYU’s mask mandate on Wednesday doesn’t seem to have changed much for students, most of whom already weren’t wearing masks. As hundreds of students streamed through...

An illustration of a female wearing a blue turtleneck sweater and brown hair who smiles while lifting a blue mask away from her face.

Off-Third: The end of NYU’s mask mandate is the best thing to happen to my nose

COVID-19 is fake and so is my nose, but thanks to the university, only one of them can be seen in the classroom.
Alexandra Cohen, Opinion Editor September 28, 2022

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. There are four important events in every Jewish girl’s life: her Bat Mitzvah, her nose job, decorating her bed for her college commitment,...

Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.

Opinion: NYU easing the mask mandate is the right first step

NYU followed the lead of other New York City colleges by lifting masking restrictions, but they’re still staying unnecessarily cautious.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 31, 2022

What we all kind of expected to happen was officially announced via email from NYU Senior Leadership. NYU’s mask mandate was dropped — somewhat. Masking will still be mandatory...

An illustration with a United States C.D.C.-issued Vaccination card in the background. In the foreground is a half-full syringe on the left and a bottle of vaccine on the right.

Opinion: Adams, take away the mask mandate but keep the vax

New York City has removed the mask mandate in public schools, but it is an irresponsible choice to have also gotten rid of proof of vaccination requirements.
Alexandra Cohen, Deputy Opinion Editor March 11, 2022

One of my classes starts around the time the elementary school day ends, so I find myself passing by excited children leaving school as I go past Grace Church School on my way...

(Charlie Dodge for WSN)

Opinion: NYU’s mask policy is just for show

NYU's mask policy is far stricter than local guidelines and sends the wrong message about vaccine efficacy. It would be more beneficial for the university to focus on encouraging booster shots. 
Jules Roscoe, Staff Writer November 22, 2021

Last year, the medical community rejoiced as Sandra Lindsay, a New York nurse, became the first American to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and more...

NYU students and faculty attending in-person laboratories are required to wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and KN95 masks. While many classes and activities are held remotely this semester, NYU students and faculty appreciate the possibility of in-person experiences with appropriate safety precautions. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

How in-person experiences continue despite the pandemic

In-person classes, labs and art studios this semester provide insight into what a post-pandemic NYU might look like.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor March 15, 2021

Although many courses, seminars and lectures this semester are being held remotely, some classes, activities, clubs and labs continue in person or through a blend of in-person...

Melissa Chiarella wears an old T-shirt that she repurposed into a face mask. As the scarcity of PPE persists, this quick craft could be a helpful addition to your list of quarantine activities. (Photo by Melissa Chiarella)

How to Make Face Masks Out of T-Shirts

To combat the national shortage of face masks, people got creative with making their own gear. After just a few steps, you’ll learn how to make a face mask from a t-shirt.
Nicole Chiarella, Deputy Copy Chief April 16, 2020

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks carried a different meaning: when someone suggested making one, it was typically from dark chocolate or honey, not a t-shirt. However,...

Masks are worn to prevent the spread of airborne diseases. In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak, many have taken heightened health measures. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Stigma Dominates Coronavirus Conversation in NYC

Media coverage, social media postings and institutional responses to coronavirus have inflamed anti-Asian sentiment in NYC and beyond.
Emily Mason, News Editor February 10, 2020

The coronavirus has consumed social media platforms recently, but the conversation and containment efforts surrounding the virus have inflamed years-old stigmas against Asians...