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

Washington Square News
(Courtesy of Arild Vågen)
Students walk out of Berlin safety training
(Tony Wu for WSN)
NYU Law launches Democracy Project
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
Stern students test AI employees
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
$2 million Village greenery project launches near campus
(Maryam Lootah for WSN)
City Scoop: Protesters shut down Brooklyn Bridge, and other top stories across NYC
Lisa White, a longtime ER nurse at NYU Langone Health, battled cancer for eight months. (Courtesy of Brooke Kesselring)
NYU Langone fired a nurse battling cancer. Her story isn’t the only one.
Inside one of NYU’s prominent antisemitism consultants
Inside one of NYU’s prominent antisemitism consultants
N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine building. It is a red brick building. People are walking outside the building and a large sign with “NYU Grossman School of Medicine'' is in the front.
NYU Grossman rescinds program acceptances after losing federal grant
At least 2 NYU affiliates involved in organizations that promote anti-trans practices
At least 2 NYU affiliates involved in organizations that promote anti-trans practices
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
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
$2 million Village greenery project launches near campus
(Maryam Lootah for WSN)
City Scoop: Protesters shut down Brooklyn Bridge, and other top stories across NYC
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
City Scoop: Adams drops out of mayoral race, and other top stories across NYC
Zohran Mamdani stands beside Senator Bernie Sanders at this year’s Labor Day parade. (Krish Dev for WSN)
City Scoop: Mamdani endorsed by Gov. Hochul, and other top stories across NYC
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
City Scoop: Subway crimes hit a 15-year low, and other top stories across NYC
(Courtesy of Arild Vågen)
Students walk out of Berlin safety training
(Tony Wu for WSN)
NYU Law launches Democracy Project
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
Stern students test AI employees
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
$2 million Village greenery project launches near campus
(Kevin Wu for WSN)
NYU Law reinstates Federalist Society event
(Kaitlyn Sze Tu for WSN)
Thousands protest Gaza flotilla interception under Washington Square Arch
A Film and Television student receiving their symbolic diploma silently protests by raising their hands to reveal “NO JUSTICE” and “NO PEACE." (Julia Smerling for WSN)
Protests persist across Tisch, law school graduations
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Students picket outside Vanderbilt Hall, demand NYU Law cut anti-protest contract
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Professors call for sanctuary campus with off-site classes
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Students hold cross-campus march for divestment, noncitizen support
(Renee Yang for WSN)
Fundraising for visa-related legal fees now a ‘moot’ issue, NYU says
Ebtesham Ahmed leads a chant during rally in Garibaldi Plaza (Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Students rally for ‘no compliance’ with Trump administration in Washington Square Park
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
NYU has a ‘moral obligation’ to protect noncitizen students, immigration experts say
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Professors call for sanctuary campus with off-site classes
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Students hold cross-campus march for divestment, noncitizen support
(Courtesy of Lynne Sheridan)
Beyond NYU: Bringing artists’ stories alive is a ‘dream’ for this Grammy Museum executive
(Courtesy of Jeff Furman, illustration by Maryam Lootah for WSN)
Beyond NYU: A guide on how to manage Ben & Jerry’s with ‘heart’
(Courtesy of PookieFilms)
Beyond NYU: Breaking into R&B with her Sudanese culture
(Courtesy of BeyondDC, illustration by Maryam Lootah for WSN)
Beyond NYU: ‘Create more connectivity,’ says the former national transportation secretary
(Courtesy of Senaida Ng)
Beyond NYU: From classical piano performances to AI DJ sets
(Courtesy photo by Gili Getz)
Guest Essay: On this grim anniversary, we must turn to Jewish-Arab organizations
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Editorial: Students deserve clarity from NYU leadership
(Yezen Saadah for WSN)
Guest Essay: We condemn the actions and ideas that killed Charlie Kirk and their presence on our campus
New York City Mayor Eric Adams. (Julia Smerling for WSN)
Opinion: The fall of Adams aids the rise of Cuomo
(Alex Tey for WSN)
Opinion: Trans people are targets, not terrorists
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Editorial: Students deserve clarity from NYU leadership
Editorial: Who to vote for in the NYC primaries
Editorial: Who to vote for in the NYC primaries
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Editorial: Linda Mills, where are you?
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Editorial: Why NYU should, but probably won’t, follow Harvard
The personal information included in the leaked files on NYU's homepage on the morning of March 22, 2025. (Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is failing to protect the safety of its applicants
(Courtesy photo by Gili Getz)
Guest Essay: On this grim anniversary, we must turn to Jewish-Arab organizations
(Yezen Saadah for WSN)
Guest Essay: We condemn the actions and ideas that killed Charlie Kirk and their presence on our campus
Around 20 students picketed outside Vanderbilt Hall on Monday, May 5. (Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Guest Essay: What would you have us do instead?
Students at the 2024 Steinhardt graduation ceremony decorated their caps with pro-Palestinian designs. (Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Guest Essay: Why you should decorate your graduation cap
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Editorial: Linda Mills, where are you?
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Letter from the Editor: My goodbye to WSN
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Letter from the Editor: In the age of Trump, student journalism is more vital than ever.
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Letter from the Editor: A reflection on WSN’s mission
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Letter from the Editor: Welcome to the Washington Square News
Letter from the editor: On reflection
Letter from the editor: On reflection
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: 94 LS faculty members approve statement to WSN
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
(Daniela Rodriguez for WSN)
Off-Third: WSN endorses Anna Wintour for NYU spokesperson
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Off-Third: Mills to star in Broadway bio-musical, tickets start at $1099
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
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Off Topic: Late-night show losses are the next step in entertainment censorship
(Courtesy of ​​the Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs)
Off Topic: Department of Defense name change counters tradition and goals
Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the Grand Canyon University on Oct. 28th, 2024. (Courtesy of Gage Skidmore)
Off Topic: Charlie Kirk fought for what killed him
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Off Topic: We can’t afford to prioritize AI in early education
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Off Topic: Vaccine mandates aren’t ‘slavery’ — they’re necessary for safe schooling
An illustration of a woman screaming and text that reads “STAFF RANTS.”
Staff Rants: Post-election feelings
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: Springing in and out of spring
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: New beginnings or old complaints?
An illustration of a megaphone with the phrase “Staff Rants” written on it. The megaphone wears a red Santa hat and the background is white with blue snowflakes.
Staff Rants: Holiday Overload
An illustration of a purple and orange megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in green letters. There are purple and green lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is black.
Staff Rants: Spooky season
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
Your NYU sports bar, based on your favorite NFL team
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Cross country storms to first place, tennis closes out ITA Regionals and other news
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Tel Aviv, Paris and Los Angeles
Co-president Cindy Leonard leading the group in a warm-up run. (Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
NYU athletes bring free running sessions to local kids
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Women’s soccer extends winning streak, tennis opens ITA Northeast Championships and other news
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Cross country storms to first place, tennis closes out ITA Regionals and other news
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Women’s soccer extends winning streak, tennis opens ITA Northeast Championships and other news
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Men’s soccer scores first home win, women’s volleyball wins twice and other news
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Women’s golf dominates UAA championship, women’s volleyball splits double-header and other news
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Women’s volleyball sweeps home opener, cross country takes first place and other news
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: Sonia Neighbors on joining the NYU women’s soccer team
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: Volleyball player Emerson Evans on NYU’s historic season
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: Aurora Aschettino on her fencing career
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: A conversation with two-time national swimmer of the year Kaley McIntyre
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: MK Fahey on the women’s basketball team’s monumental season
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Tel Aviv, Paris and Los Angeles
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of London, Madrid and Shanghai
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Washington, Paris and Sydney
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Argentina, Italy and Spain
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Los Angeles, London and Washington, D.C.
(Ruhi Joshi for WSN)
New eats near NYU: Ferrane Bakery is multiple traditions in one kitchen
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
Your NYU sports bar, based on your favorite NFL team
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
5 restaurants near NYU named the best in North America
(Daphne Zhu for WSN)
The Luddites sent an email about their parade, then smashed the computer
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
5 NYC restaurants that cure our homesickness
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
How to study fashion at NYU
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
How to restyle outfits from ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’
(Alex Amaral for WSN)
Students pull off last-minute fashion show in Hell’s Kitchen
(Krish Dev for WSN)
WSN at New York Fashion Week
(Aryan Kawatra for WSN)
5 spots in NYC to people-watch for outfit inspo
(Ruhi Joshi for WSN)
New eats near NYU: Ferrane Bakery is multiple traditions in one kitchen
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
5 restaurants near NYU named the best in North America
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
5 NYC restaurants that cure our homesickness
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
How an NYU alum is filling NYC’s Erewhon-sized hole
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Time Out Market Union Square opens between UHall and Palladium
(Srividhya Chandramouleeswaran for WSN)
NYU’s South Asian sorority girls on how they find community
(Rishi Gala for WSN)
¡Saca tu bandera! 5 ways the Latine community celebrates our month
The site of the block-wide Manhattan jail project in Chinatown.
A precarious promise: What the tallest jail in the world means for those who live next to it
(Maryam Lootah for WSN)
NYU’s first and last ‘first days’
Making an Exoneree students from NYU, Georgetown University and Princeton University at a conference in Princeton (Courtesy of Sullivan Gaudreault)
These NYU students are getting the wrongly incarcerated out of prison
(Ruhi Joshi for WSN)
Ranked: Manhattan’s AMC theaters
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Ranked: NYU core requirements
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Ranked: Yankee Stadium grub
(Iris Bell for WSN)
Ranked: NYU merch
(Henry Bayha and Allina Xiao for WSN)
Ranked: Subway stations near NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
WSN at New York Fashion Week
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Frederick Anderson takes you on vacation with his newest NYFW collection
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Shao New York invites the past into the future at NYFW
(Sophia Rivera-Korver for WSN)
Are you in heaven? Alexander King Chen’s solo show is a reflection of the inner self
(Ruhi Joshi for WSN)
Viator Felis showcases clothing fit for unconventional trailblazers
(Dani Biondi for WSN)
Stunt casting takes away from Broadway’s magic
(Rishi Gala for WSN)
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Twilight’
(Abby Jong for WSN)
Your next read based on your zodiac sign
(Courtesy of Capitol Records)
Review: Olivia Dean’s new album captures love in all its phases
(Courtesy of Kamal Aljafari)
NYFF 63 Review: A glimpse into Palestinian life beyond genocide
(Rishi Gala for WSN)
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Twilight’
(Abby Jong for WSN)
Your next read based on your zodiac sign
(Julianna Lindo for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: A novel by an NYU professor, a book where magic meets politics and more
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Ocean Vuong shares new novel at Skirball
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these reads
(Courtesy of Kamal Aljafari)
NYFF 63 Review: A glimpse into Palestinian life beyond genocide
(Courtesy of Janus Films)
NYFF 63 Review: ‘Days and Nights in the Forest’ showcases the colonization of the mind and body
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Off the Radar: The Wooster Group’s vision of the future
(Courtesy of Blue Fox Entertainment)
Review: “Xeno” disappoints its sci-fi predecessors
(Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
‘One Battle After Another’ immortalizes the revolutionary spirit
(Courtesy of Capitol Records)
Review: Olivia Dean’s new album captures love in all its phases
(Amelia Knust for WSN)
Q&A: Maude Latour on performing for a hometown crowd at All Things Go NYC
(Amelia Knust for WSN)
Queer and female voices ruled 2025’s All Things Go NYC
(Courtesy of Darkroom Records)
In ‘The Dream,’ melodrama and heartbreak are in perfect harmony
(Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Review: Nine Inch Nails mesh world building with pure aggression on ‘Tron: Ares’
(Dani Biondi for WSN)
Stunt casting takes away from Broadway’s magic
Pasadena Golf Club, one of the 12 comedy troupes that were open for auditions this semester. (Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
Behind the curtain of NYU comedy auditions
(Dani Biondi for WSN)
5 casting choices we’re manifesting
(Courtesy of Matthew Murphy)
Review: ‘Art’ on Broadway fails to craft a compelling production
(Maryam Lootah for WSN)
A guide to the performing arts at NYU as a non-major
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
Clive Davis students to play at the Guggenheim in collaboration with CBVC
(Maya Santiago for WSN)
Review: MoMA’s new installation embraces the future of artificial intelligence
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
‘Escenas’ traces Latinx family histories through photography
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
Review: ‘Reflections in Black’ reframes Black narratives through photography
(Ethan Li for WSN)
The Met’s newest exhibition puts visitors in the place of a Parisian art critique
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
The Commuter Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Welcome home, class of 2029
Welcome home, class of 2029
The Romance Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Romance Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Music Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Music Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An average conversation between Stern bros
An average conversation between Stern bros
(Sophia Rivera-Korver for WSN)
Art under the city
On the Street: Silhouettes
On the Street: Silhouettes
On the Street: New York City
On the Street: New York City
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Lost in New York, found through photography
An average conversation between Stern bros
An average conversation between Stern bros
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Cartoon: The commuter life
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
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
On the Street: Silhouettes
On the Street: Silhouettes
On the Street: New York City
On the Street: New York City
On the Street: Reflections
On the Street: Reflections
On the Street: Floral
On the Street: Floral
On the Street: Escapism
On the Street: Escapism
(Sophia Rivera-Korver for WSN)
Art under the city
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Lost in New York, found through photography
Two strangers share a beautiful moment in Washington Square Park on a hot fall afternoon. (Henry Bayha for WSN)
Love in the city
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
NYU Law students take on a different kind of court — the basketball court
Hundreds of students and faculty surrounded Gould Plaza on April 22, 2024 in protest of NYU's ties to Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. (Krish Dev for WSN)
Remembering Gould Plaza, 1 year later
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
NYU Strawberry Festival 2025
(Maya Joy Randolph for WSN)
The fight to save Elizabeth Street Garden
(Henry Bayha for WSN)
NYU Gallatin fashion show highlights student creativity
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
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
SPONSORED: Gen Z faces a new credit reality as U.S. lending trends evolve
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 aerial view of the Washington Square Arch with a crowd of N.Y.U. students wearing purple outfits in front.

Opinion: Bring back the ‘Why NYU?’ essay

It makes sense that NYU has decided to go test-optional. Essay-optional, however, is a whole different story.
Naisha Roy, Deputy Opinion Editor • April 7, 2023

Just about all of us remember sitting down at the computer, staring at the “Why NYU?” supplemental essay on the Common Application, and asking ourselves that very question:...