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

Professor Avital Ronell is returning to teaching in Fall 2020, after a leave of absence during the previous semester. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Ronell Takes Leave of Absence After Contentious Return Last Semester

German and Comparative Literature Professor Avital Ronell, who returned to NYU after being found guilty of sexually harassing her mentee via a Title IX investigation, is taking a leave of absence for the spring semester.
Lisa Cochran, News Editor February 4, 2020

Professor Avital Ronell — who returned to teach last semester after a year-long suspension for sexually harassing a student — will be taking a leave of absence this spring,...

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee urged NYU to fire Professor Avital Ronell, who sexually harassed a student she advised. (Photo Courtesy of GSOC)

Graduate Student Union Claps Back at NYU on Return of Professor Who Sexually Harassed Student

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee said NYU provided an inadequate response to its demands that the professor be fired.
Victor Porcelli, News Editor September 30, 2019

NYU and its graduate student union have been embroiled in a back-and-forth over whether or not the university should fire Professor Avital Ronell, who was found to have sexually...

(Illustration by Abby Hofstetter)

Off-Third: NYU Debuts New Resource to Protect Sexual Predators

After facing a slew of controversies, the university wants those found guilty of sexual misconduct to know that they have a home at NYU.
Abby Hofstetter, Opinion Editor September 17, 2019

President Andrew Hamilton revealed Sunday afternoon that the university will be rolling out a new resource to provide protection for members of the NYU community who are perpetrators...

Ronell’s Return Is a Slap to Survivors

Ronell’s Return Is a Slap to Survivors

Professor Avital Ronell’s presence at NYU shows the survivors here that their experiences aren’t trusted or respected, and keeping them safe isn’t a priority of the university.
Anna-Dmitry Muratova, Senior Reporter September 15, 2019

TW: This article discusses and mentions sexual harassment and assault. The news of Professor Avital Ronell’s return to NYU felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my...

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee is calling for NYU to fire professor Avital Ronell, who was suspended last year for sexual harassment. (Photo courtesy GSOC)

Graduate Student Union Demands NYU Fire Professor Who Sexually Harassed A Student

Professor Avital Ronell was suspended for a year for sexual harassing a student and is set to come back to NYU this fall. The Graduate Student Organizing Committee does not think a one-year suspension was enough and is calling for NYU to fire Ronell.
Victor Porcelli, News Editor May 27, 2019

Graduate students have demanded NYU fire Professor Avital Ronell, who was suspended for a year in August 2018 for sexually harassing a student and is set to return this fall. The...