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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 email sent by the NYU Department of Campus Safety contained the subject line “Simple Assault - Hate Crime,” but did not define the legal term “simple assault” in the alert. Many members of the university community are now confused about what the term "simple assault" means. (Staff Photo and Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Explained: ‘Simple assault’ and the confusion surrounding NYU’s alert emails

The term "simple assault" is not so simple. Recent communications from the university left students wondering what the term means and why it is being used to refer to serious attacks.
Rachel Cohen, Rachel Fadem and Suhail Gharaibeh September 20, 2021

Two NYU students were victims of a homophobic hate crime at 14th Street and Third Avenue on Sept. 15, according to an email alert sent by the Department of Campus Safety. The two...