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

Washington Square News
(Sam Klein for WSN)
Abu Dhabi professor reaches settlement with the university after facing ‘gender-based hostility’
Counter-protestor plays guitar while attendees place candles during a vigil for Charlie Kirk. (Alex Woodworth for WSN)
‘Barbaric assassination’: Students mourn Charlie Kirk
Mock-up of Gould Plaza’s renovations, set to be complete in spring 2026. (Courtesy of NYU)
Gould Plaza renovations set for spring completion, nearly 2 years after closure
A white and purple Campus Safety vehicle.
‘The wrong solution’: Black student groups claim NYU withheld information during shooting threat
(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Contract faculty push for standardized pay raises
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
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
City Scoop: Subway crimes hit a 15-year low, and other top stories across NYC
(Lauren Ng for WSN)
The City Scoop: Adams rejects offer from Trump, and other top stories across NYC
Thousands walk Fifth Avenue for ‘No Kings’ protest
Thousands walk Fifth Avenue for ‘No Kings’ protest
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Mayoral candidates talk housing affordability at Kimmel forum
(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Early education program at NYU canceled after federal funding cuts
(Sam Klein for WSN)
Abu Dhabi professor reaches settlement with the university after facing ‘gender-based hostility’
Counter-protestor plays guitar while attendees place candles during a vigil for Charlie Kirk. (Alex Woodworth for WSN)
‘Barbaric assassination’: Students mourn Charlie Kirk
Mock-up of Gould Plaza’s renovations, set to be complete in spring 2026. (Courtesy of NYU)
Gould Plaza renovations set for spring completion, nearly 2 years after closure
A white and purple Campus Safety vehicle.
‘The wrong solution’: Black student groups claim NYU withheld information during shooting threat
(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Contract faculty push for standardized pay raises
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
(Kevin Wu for WSN)
NYU Langone treats Israeli soldiers with advanced prosthetics
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
A vehicle, parked on LaGuardia Place outside Bobst Library, displaying authorization from federal law enforcement. (Alex Woodworth for WSN)
You may have seen federal law enforcement roaming around campus. It’s Secret Service for Barron.
(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 of Padmini Murthy)
Beyond NYU: Advancing women’s health through global activism
(Courtesy of Beau Flynn)
Beyond NYU: From studying at Stern to producing ‘Moana’
(Courtesy of Augusta Lecaros)
Beyond NYU: Creating and curating feminist art around the world
(John Bush for WSN)
Stop scrolling, before your attention span is worse than that of a goldfish
(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
(Aryan Kawatra for WSN)
Opinion: For subway safety, militarization isn’t the answer
(Daniela Rodriguez for WSN)
Off-Third: WSN endorses Anna Wintour for NYU spokesperson
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
(Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
Editorial: NYU must protect its international community’s right to free speech
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?
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Guest Essay: The future of NYC can’t be left to Cuomo or Adams
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Guest Essay: We, a small group of LS faculty, call on Mills to resign
(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
(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
(Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Off Topic: Foreign films aren’t foes
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
NYU men’s volleyball team on Jan. 29. (Sidney Snider for WSN)
“People to rely on”: NYU’s tight-knit athletic communities
A girl wearing the numbers “682” running in a race with other people running behind her.
Men’s and women’s cross country teams eye the podium
(Courtesy of NYU Athletics)
NYU women’s soccer eyes a historic third-straight NCAA run amid roster shakeup
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Women’s golf dominates UAA championship, women’s volleyball splits double-header and other news
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Argentina, Italy and Spain
(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
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Baseball finishes season, track runners sets personal records and other news
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Golf, tennis and track & field teams compete in conference tournaments, baseball plays away games and other news
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Women’s golf wins tournament, tennis ends regular season with wins 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 Argentina, Italy and Spain
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Los Angeles, London and Washington, D.C.
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Australia, the UK and Los Angeles
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Germany, Spain and London
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of the UK, France and Spain
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Shao New York invites the past into the future at NYFW
(Rishi Gala for WSN)
¡Saca tu bandera! 5 ways the Latine community celebrates our month
The site of the block-wide Chinatown jail project.
A precarious promise: What the tallest jail in the world means for those who live next to it
(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 at NYFW
(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 at NYFW
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Wenny Han brings cubism to life in newest NYFW runway
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Renee Cafaro Atelier redefines couture with inclusive vision at NYFW
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Ranked: Restaurant hotspots for NYU students
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Ranked: Celsius flavors
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
6 restaurants near campus for your post-graduation celebration
Fish bian dang. (Lauren Ng for WSN)
New eats near NYU: A restaurant-turned-bakery serving bold Taiwanese flavors
Swoonworthy dorm dinners
Swoonworthy dorm dinners
(Rishi Gala for WSN)
¡Saca tu bandera! 5 ways the Latine community celebrates our month
The site of the block-wide Chinatown jail project.
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
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Who gets to be represented during AAPI Month?
(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
(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 at NYFW
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Wenny Han brings cubism to life in newest NYFW runway
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Renee Cafaro Atelier redefines couture with inclusive vision at NYFW
Director Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt" will play at New York Film Festival's Opening Night premiere. (Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios)
WSN’s guide to the 63rd New York Film Festival
(Courtesy of Playbill)
WSN’s guide to the Broadway Flea Market
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
6 of our favorite needle drops in film
(Courtesy of MUBI)
Review: ‘The History of Sound’ falls short of perfect harmony
(Daniela Rodriguez for WSN)
Judging you based on your favorite NYC-based TV show
(Daniela Rodriguez for WSN)
If you watched that, read this:
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: A romantic academic drama, a glamorous memoir of a writer’s life in Southern California and more
(Courtesy of Alex Foster)
NYU Creative Writing alum on his debut sci-fi novel
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: A book by a great American novelist, an art-centered romance and more
(Emma Foley for WSN)
Review: Emily Henry’s new book expands beyond romance
Director Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt" will play at New York Film Festival's Opening Night premiere. (Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios)
WSN’s guide to the 63rd New York Film Festival
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
6 of our favorite needle drops in film
(Courtesy of MUBI)
Review: ‘The History of Sound’ falls short of perfect harmony
(Daniela Rodriguez for WSN)
Judging you based on your favorite NYC-based TV show
(Courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
Review: ‘Caught Stealing’ says no to drunk driving
(Siobhán Minerva for WSN)
WSN’s guide to the All Things Go NYC Music Festival
(Courtesy of Universal Music Group)
Review: ‘Man’s Best Friend’ skips the foreplay
(Courtesy of Vinca Peterson)
Review: Blood Orange’s ‘Essex Honey’ is a time capsule of love and loss
(Courtesy of Sony Music)
Review: Laufey’s ‘A Matter of Time’ explores modern problems with classic melodies
2025 Governor’s Ball features Tyler The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo and Hozier
2025 Governor’s Ball features Tyler The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo and Hozier
(Courtesy of Playbill)
WSN’s guide to the Broadway Flea Market
(Krish Dev for WSN)
From rehearsal to Radio City: A summer that hit the right note
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Must-see theater in NYC this fall
"Maybe Happy Ending," written by Steinhardt alum Hue Park and Tisch alum Will Aronson, was the most awarded production at the awards ceremony. (Courtesy of Matthew Murphy)
18 alumni take home Tony Awards
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, starring as Othello and Iago. (Courtesy photo by Julieta Cervantes)
Review: ‘Othello’s’ star-studded cast outshines its meaning
(Ethan Li for WSN)
The Met’s newest exhibition puts visitors in the place of a Parisian art critique
The Garden Court (Courtesy of The Frick Collection)
The Frick Collection’s Gilded Age time capsule has finally reopened
(Henry Bayha for WSN)
Review: ‘American Sublime’ at the Whitney responds to the Trump era
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
‘Anonymous Was A Woman’ celebrates women artists’ individuality
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
New Met exhibition shatters beauty with a feminist hammer
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
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Lost in New York, found through photography
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
NYU Strawberry Festival 2025
On the Street: Reflections
On the Street: Reflections
Two strangers share a beautiful moment in Washington Square Park on a hot fall afternoon. (Henry Bayha for WSN)
Love in the city
(Maya Joy Randolph for WSN)
The fight to save Elizabeth Street Garden
(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
In a grayscale comic, a person works at a desk in front of a computer next to a window showing a city in ruins with a fallen sign saying “TECH INDUSTRY.” In the bottom right corner is a thought bubble that says, “Why can’t I find an internship?”
Cartoon: Your major in computer science has been declared
On the Street: Reflections
On the Street: Reflections
On the Street: Floral
On the Street: Floral
On the Street: Escapism
On the Street: Escapism
Ivy Chan, Kiara Mujica, Ethan Li, and Krish Dev.
On the Street: Food
(Krish Dev, Kyra Reilley, Suditi Sircar, and Isaac Wheatley)
On the Street: Framing
(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
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Spring break adventures
(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
NYU professor Kwame Anthony discusses identity as a part of The Review and Debates of NYU.

New York Times Columnist Discusses Identity at NYU Review and Debates

Kristina Hayhurst, Deputy News Editor • April 13, 2018
The Review and Debates hosted New York Times columnist Kwame Anthony Appiah who spoke and answered questions on identity in politics and culture.
John Sexton, NYU's former President, spoke at a The Review and Debates club event on February 21 at the Kimmel Center. Sexton discussed free speech and answered the questions about the recent cancellations of controversial speakers.

President Emeritus John Sexton Speaks on Open Debate and Free Speech

Coco Wang, Deputy News Editor • February 22, 2017
President Emeritus John Sexton spoke about the importance of free speech and open debate at The Review and Debates event tonight.
Gallatin School of Individualized Study Founder Herb London spoke with students about Gallatin's history and his views on foreign policy.

Founder of Gallatin Might Not Fit Well in a Gallatin Classroom

Jeffrey Kopp, Contributing Writer • April 27, 2016
The Review and Debate club hosted an open Q&A session with Gallatin's founder Herb London.
Professor Dalton Conley delivers the opening statement in favor of affirmative action based on economic background in the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

Debate Calls Into Question Implementation of Affirmative Action

Brooke Jensen, Contributing Writer • February 3, 2016
In the NYU Review and Debates's inaugural debate, professors and students contend the polarizing topic of affirmative action based on students' economic backgrounds.