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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

The Soapbox is a weekly news column rounding up stories worth reading for a global university. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

The Soapbox: Russian escalation, protests in Iran and Fiona’s fallout

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk analyzing major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Tori Morales, Deputy News Editor September 23, 2022

In Russia, mobilization and referendums change the game Russian officials in four occupied Ukrainian regions announced plans on Sept. 20 to hold referendums on annexation to Russia....

An illustration of a wooden box in a park. A pair of legs with blue jeans and black Converse sneakers stands on top of the box. The box reads “WSN.”

The Soapbox: Migrants continue to suffer at borders

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk examining the major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Kristian Burt, News Editor March 4, 2022

Polish and Ukrainian border guards reportedly discriminate against African and South Asian students Among the more than one million refugees who have fled Ukraine since the start...

NYC protests denounce Russian invasion of Ukraine

Several demonstrations were held across New York City last week at locations from Russia’s United Nations headquarters to the Ukrainian National Home.
Kayla Hardersen and Shaina Vora February 28, 2022

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets throughout New York City this last week to stand with Ukraine following Russia’s military invasion. Large protests converged at...

(Photo by Mark-Ameen Johnson)

Opinion: The racist, anti-worker closure of NYU’s English Language Institute

By closing the English Language Institute at the School of Professional Studies, NYU administration is harming workers, international students and non-English speakers. The decision is emblematic of NYU’s callous policies.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor December 7, 2021

The effective closure of the NYU School of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute and its programs, announced to staff in October and reported by WSN on Monday, is...

The UN has done more than most realize to curb the effects of climate change. The organization is set to commence the Climate Change Conference on Oct. 31. (Photo by Camila Ceballos)

Opinion: The UN is taking substantial action against climate change

Despite climate defeatism and cynicism surrounding the U.N., the organization is making a difference in the fight for a greener future.
Camila Ceballos, Staff Writer October 25, 2021

As the United Nations prepares for this year's Climate Change Conference, starting on Oct. 31 in the United Kingdom, the efficacy of past efforts regarding climate change...

An illustration of a wooden box in a park. A pair of legs with blue jeans and black Converse sneakers stands on top of the box. The box reads “WSN.”

The Soapbox: Ethiopia, Ecuador, Germany

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk, examining the major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Suhail Gharaibeh, Deputy News Editor October 1, 2021

In Ethiopia, humanitarian officials are expelled for “meddling” with armed conflict Seven United Nations officials have been declared persona non grata by the Ethiopian...

Protagonist Aida works as a translator for the UN during the tragedy of the Bosnian War. Oscar-nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” features the horrific story of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. (Image courtesy of NEON Productions)

‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ review: An unforgettable look at a forgotten part of history

Oscar Nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” allows the world to remember a horrific event that has been looked over for decades.
Victoria Carchietta, Staff Writer April 29, 2021
Oscar-nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” urges the world to remember a horrific event that has been overlooked for decades.
Adela Raz, a Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, speaks at Meyer Hall to around 50 NYU community members. This was part of an event organized by NYU’s United Nations Initiative, a sect of NYU’s Model UN organization that hosts global ambassadors and heads of state. (Staff photo by Roshni Raj)

UN Ambassador to Afghanistan Visits NYU Prior to Peace Talks

Adela Raz, a United Nations ambassador of Afghanistan, spoke at NYU’s Meyer Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 25 just days before signing a deal that could potentially end the U.S.’ longest-running war in Afghanistan.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor February 26, 2020

Days before a peace talk between the U.S. and the Taliban — which politicians have said could end the U.S.’s longest-running war — a representative of Afghanistan to the...

Shirts, the Studio and Sustainability

Shirts, the Studio and Sustainability

Devin James Gilmartin is trying to save the world, one T-shirt at a time.
December 5, 2019

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated and WSN regrets the errors.  Devin James Gilmartin has a name that rings with potential. By the age of 22, Gilmartin has co-founded...

Eni Owoeye Makes Environmental Education Approachable

Eni Owoeye Makes Environmental Education Approachable

College of Arts and Science sophomore Eni Owoeye fosters change and environmental stewardship by making environmental education accessible for all.
Anna-Dmitry Muratova, Senior Reporter December 5, 2019

Eni Owoeye and I met last spring semester when we both ended up in Professor Robin Nagle’s Environment & Society class, one of the introductory courses for the environmental...

On Wednesday, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights Philip Alston, Faculty Director and Co-Chair of the Program on Justice and Human Rights Margaret Satterthwaite, and Founding Director of said program César Rodriguez-Garavito discussed how to report on poverty. They spoke at the panel “Do Human Rights Investigations Matter? The Case of the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty” hosted by The Latham & Watkins law firm at Vanderbilt Hall. (Nina Schifano)

UN Rapporteur Talks How to Be Effective in Addressing Human Rights Violations

At an NYU Law event, Philip Alston said considering one’s audience is essential when spurring action on human rights violations.
Matthew Fischetti, Contributing Writer October 17, 2019

Those working to improve human rights must better consider communities and their environments, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty Philip Alston said at an NYU School of...

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Not All Activism Is Created Equal

Activists like Greta Thunberg and the Parkland kids are doing great work. But why are they the face of movements that started long before them?
Sarah John, Contributing Writer September 30, 2019

Greta Thunberg is a climate activist. You’ve probably heard of her because of the recent climate strikes or seen the subsequent social media posts applauding her for her work...