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

Washington Square News
The words “BEYOND NYU” next to a woman holding a book.
Beyond NYU: Writing to help women combat social media’s toxic impact
An email from N.Y.U.’s department of campus safety pasted on a purple background.
Administrator punched near Washington Square Park
A woman standing by a podium in graduation regalia.
Human rights scholar Martha Minow to speak at this year’s commencement
A woman handing a letter to another woman.
RAs unionize, demand university recognition
Paulson Center lobby focusing on a white sign that says “TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE N.Y.U. COMMUNITY, A N.Y.U. I.D. IS TEMPORARILY REQUIRED FOR ACCESS.”
NYU’s Paulson atrium restrictions might violate 2012 legal agreement
A group of protesters holding colorful signs.
Social work students rally for paid field time and fewer hours
An email from N.Y.U.’s department of campus safety pasted on a purple background.
Campus Safety responds to wave of assaults near Washington Square Park
The emergency exit door at the entrance to a subway station. Behind the door there are security guards. The door has a sign that reads “Service Entry”.
Students wary of Hochul’s subway security plan
A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
A woman wearing black stands between two speakers in front of a crowd of people holding signs and banners.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters march across Manhattan
An email from N.Y.U.’s department of campus safety pasted on a purple background.
Administrator punched near Washington Square Park
A woman standing by a podium in graduation regalia.
Human rights scholar Martha Minow to speak at this year’s commencement
A woman handing a letter to another woman.
RAs unionize, demand university recognition
A group of protesters holding colorful signs.
Social work students rally for paid field time and fewer hours
The headshots of three N.Y.U. faculty arranged in a collage.
3 professors named Guggenheim Fellows
Paulson Center lobby focusing on a white sign that says “TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE N.Y.U. COMMUNITY, A N.Y.U. I.D. IS TEMPORARILY REQUIRED FOR ACCESS.”
NYU’s Paulson atrium restrictions might violate 2012 legal agreement
Subway station with New York University signage covered in red spray paint splatters and the tag “FUNDS GENOCIDE.”
Pro-Palestinian activists spray paint NYU subway station
A graphic of the first page of a legal document on a purple background.
3 professors seek defendant status in antisemitism lawsuit against NYU
Three people at the front of a stage with a brick wall behind them.
Palestinian journalist speaks about first-hand coverage of Israel-Hamas war at panel
A woman stands with her left hand in the air. She is wearing a black blazer with grid patterns on the. She has short, brown hair.
Mills speaks on Israel-Hamas war response, decrease of male students in higher education
A large group of people sit on the large staircase inside the lobby of New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life, with one person in the front row holding a sign with text “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” printed on it.
Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
The logo of New York Universitys Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.
Asian/Pacific/American Studies major lacks adequate representation, students and faculty say
An exterior shot of the Bronfman Center. On the left is the entrance of the building with a New York University sign that reads “STILL REQUIRED FACE MASK.” On the right is a plaque that reads “New York University 7 The EDGAR M. BRONFMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDENT LIFE”
NYU disputes failing grade on antisemitism report
Dr. Jonathan Haidt speaking in front of an audience with a presentation labeled “The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider” behind him.
Stern professor resigns from professional org. after refusing to write diversity statement
An illustration of a gray facade which reads “NYU School of Global Public Health”, with a purple banner that reads “NYU” on the right side, all against a pale background.
Women with disabilities more likely to report food insecurity, NYU study finds
The words “BEYOND NYU” next to a woman holding a book.
Beyond NYU: Writing to help women combat social media’s toxic impact
Chloe George in red hair stands against a white background.“BEYOND N.Y.U.” is written in white font in the top-left corner.
Beyond NYU: Singing solo after songwriting for stars
A woman with blue hair and a blue shirt plays a guitar and sings into a microphone. “BEYOND N.Y.U.” is in white font in the top-right corner.
Beyond NYU: From books to ballads
A man in a red velvet suit looks to the right next to a vintage music player. “BEYOND NYU” is in white font in the top left corner.
Beyond NYU: A shy guy’s transformation into Broadway success
A graphic featuring a woman in front of a red background with the hand-drawn words “BEYOND N.Y.U.” next to him.
Beyond NYU: A global jazz singer’s journey to becoming a Grammy winner
Doctor Carl Zimmer speaks from the wooden podium in Hemmerdinger Hall. An audience sits in front of him. Behind him is a projector screen displaying two images.
How science journalists reported on the ‘story of our lifetime’
A man wearing a dotted tie, a white shirt and a black suit jacket speaks in an online conference session. Behind him are a bookshelf and five clocks displaying times in different time zones.
Minnesota prof criticizes public health response at COVID-19 lecture
An illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination card in the background with a half-full syringe on the left of the foreground and a bottle reading “COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER” on the right.
Most NYU students haven’t received the bivalent booster, WSN survey finds
A building which has NYU and NYU Steinhardt flags hoisted from a walls.
After one month of checking visitor vax cards, NYU gives up
Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.
Immunocompromised students concerned following mask mandate removal
The exterior of a restaurant with a sign saying “CHOLA” and, below that, “COASTAL INDIAN CUISINE.
Chola brings elevated Indian flavors to seafood lovers everywhere
A dorm room with two beds in University Hall.
Ranked: First-year residence halls
A man uses a blowtorch on a piece of sushi.
Lunch at Kintsugi Omakase is simple yet magnificent
Three men dancing and clapping while a woman sings on a stage. Light up letters are at the front of the stage spelled “ARAB.”
NYU Arab Festival vibrantly celebrates Middle Eastern and North African cultures
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
A warm welcome to modern Asian fine dining with Hortus NYC
A model in blue jeans and a detailed white bikini top with sunglasses on her head poses.
NYU Program Board fashion show spotlights student designers’ unique visions
An illustration with “BOOTS” written in the middle, and boots are below and above the words.
These boots were made for walking: A guide to the best boot styles
Five women stand in front of a crowd dressed in black, green, orange, red and white modest dresses.
NYU student uses fashion and femininity to raise money for victims in Sudan
A person walking in Washington Square Park is wearing a brown mini skirt, black sneakers and a black open-knit sweater over a white tank top, while carrying a yellow tote bag.
Cultivate your spring wardrobe with these 6 blooming trends
Twelve lip balm tubes lined up and displayed on a white background
The best products for any lip-balm lover
The exterior of a restaurant with a sign saying “CHOLA” and, below that, “COASTAL INDIAN CUISINE.
Chola brings elevated Indian flavors to seafood lovers everywhere
A man uses a blowtorch on a piece of sushi.
Lunch at Kintsugi Omakase is simple yet magnificent
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
A warm welcome to modern Asian fine dining with Hortus NYC
Front of the bar The Happiest Hour which has a green facade and gold lettering.
Betting on burgers: A new take on the American classic from The Happiest Hour
Bobian Demce standing with his arms crossed, looking up in front of a wall of photos.
Dua Kafe is the heart and soul of Albanian food in the East Village
Three men dancing and clapping while a woman sings on a stage. Light up letters are at the front of the stage spelled “ARAB.”
NYU Arab Festival vibrantly celebrates Middle Eastern and North African cultures
A storefront with text that reads “Pop Up Grocer & CAFE.”
From baked goods to books: 4 must-visit, women-owned businesses
An illustration of a plate with yellow rice, chicken legs and red onion.
The only chicken biryani recipe you’ll ever need
Four framed photographs on a white wall.
‘The Ways of Langston Hughes’ dives into the relationship between two creative pioneers of the Harlem Renaissance
Five women stand in front of a crowd dressed in black, green, orange, red and white modest dresses.
NYU student uses fashion and femininity to raise money for victims in Sudan
Line of colorful tin cans arranged next to each other. From left to right: “GHOST” on a yellow and blue can, “BANG ENERGY” on a white and blue can , “C4” on a black and orange can, “ALANI NU” on a blue and mint green can, “MONSTER” on a black and neon green can, “CELSIUS” on an orange and white can, “JAVA MONSTER” on a brown can, “PRIME” on a pink and white can, “YERBA MATE” on a yellow and red can and “RED BULL” on a blue and tin can.
Ranked: Energy drinks
Six water bottles lined up against a white background.
Ranked: Water bottles
Illustration depicting two rows of professors from the chest up.
Ranked: Five professors that’ll make or break your semester
A colorful illustration of six different handbags: a blue laptop bag, a brown designer bag, a pink Jansport backpack, a black designer tote bag, a cream fabric tote bag, and a brown vintage messenger bag.
Ranked: School bags
(Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)
Ranked: Students who study abroad
Two people walk down the runway. One wears a quilt patchwork dress and the other wears a striped colorblocked dress.
IMPACT’s annual show champions sustainability but lacks organization
Two models with pink eyeshadow look into the camera. One is wearing a ginger wig, the other a blonde wig.
Frederick Anderson creates a mélange of blues, grunge and rock and roll
A group of models in different red, white and black outfits pose in front of a white backdrop.
Bishme Cromartie blends streetwear and avant-garde design
A model walking down a runway with a red dress that has a blue protruding hand and cat.
Abstract constructions and sleek streetwear take on NYFW
A group of models walks down a runway in a line. At the front of the runway, a model opens a black and white checkered cape to reveal a blue ruched mini dress with red stars.
Cultural commentary meets couture at first day of Global Fashion Collective
A girl wearing a white tank top and blue jeans sits on a store countertop, holding a wooden sign that reads, “Brandy Melville.”
Review: ‘Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion’ has been a long time coming
A screen displayed on the wall of wooden sticks in water with a mountain in the background, an art piece displayed dangling from the ceiling and a red art piece displayed on a platform.
Review: ‘Threads to the South’ explores Latin American identity through textile art
Two women wearing neutral colors are shocked as the woman in front of them flips her hair.
Review: ‘Wicked Little Letters’ spells out what it means to be kind
A giant gorilla wielding a spear.
Review: In ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,’ Godzilla is nowhere to be found
Six black and white portraits on a wall.
Review: ‘Chelsea Hotel Portraits’ expertly reveals humanity in the Chelsea Hotel
Collage of four illustrated books: on the top left is an illustration of a book cover filled with oranges under a plastic film. The title “BLISS MONTAGE Stories” lies on top of the film. On the top right is an illustration of a black book cover titled “POVERTY, BY AMERICA” on a light green background. On the bottom left is an illustration of a book cover with a black, bold line across it. A bee is in the top right corner, along with the title “The Bee Sting” written between the lines. On the bottom right is an illustration of a dark green book cover with a pink box in the center, titled “THE VIRGIN SUICIDES.” There are five dark green flowers in the box and one of them has a missing petal. A pink petal is in the bottom left corner.
Books beyond Bobst: A modern classic, a short story collection and more
Collage of four illustrated books: on the top left is an illustration of a blue book with a deer jumping over shrubs drawn in black. The cover says “YOU ARE HERE” in white, “POETRY IN THE NATURAL WORLD” in orange and “EDITED AND INTRODUCED BY ADA LIMON” in black and white. On the top right there’s an illustration of a green book with several white chairs on it and the words “EMMA” and “JANE AUSTEN” written in white. On the bottom left there is an illustration of a book cover with a woman sitting in a garden of flowers overlooking the water. The cover says “THE ENCHANTED APRIL” in white and “VINTAGE VON ARNIM” in brown and white. On the bottom right there’s an illustration of a white book cover with a blue contorted body on it in a black box. On the cover, “MATISSE”, “VOLKMAR ESSERS” and “TASCHEN” are written in white.
Start your spring right with these 4 books
A girl sitting on a dormitory desk decorated with pictures and books.
How I learned to love reading again
Collage of four book covers. On the upper left is Asimov’s “Foundation,” on the upper right is Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” on the bottom left is Morelli’s “The Night Portrait” and on the bottom right is Biggs’ “A Life of Ones Own: Nine Women Writers Begin Again.”
Books beyond Bobst: A science-fiction novel, a multifaceted memoir and more
An illustration of a girl sitting under a tree and reading. She is sitting on grass, wearing a purple top and blue jeans. The leaves on the tree are brown.
6 books to read this Women’s History Month
A girl wearing a white tank top and blue jeans sits on a store countertop, holding a wooden sign that reads, “Brandy Melville.”
Review: ‘Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion’ has been a long time coming
Two women wearing neutral colors are shocked as the woman in front of them flips her hair.
Review: ‘Wicked Little Letters’ spells out what it means to be kind
A giant gorilla wielding a spear.
Review: In ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,’ Godzilla is nowhere to be found
Illustration of a laptop screen and red mug in front of a purple background, on the screen there are two women walking in a park kicking their legs out in sync.
Off the Radar: ‘Attenberg’ is a transformative repose
A sweaty man with blood on his face glares through a curtain in purple lighting.
Review: ‘Monkey Man’ powerfully reinvents the underdog action film
A singer performing on a stage in front of red smoke and a crowd full of waving flashlights.
Review: J. Cole’s ‘Might Delete Later’ should be deleted
Illustration of a vinyl record in its sleeve, the album cover is a woman with tattoos in underwear sitting submerged in a body of water.
Review: Lizzy McAlpine’s ‘Older’ is an ode to coming-of-age stories
Photo of a large stage displaying red lips signing alongside a stage cam of a woman signing into a microphone on either side.
Review: Olivia Rodrigo spills her ‘GUTS’ at MSG
Three members of Vampire Weekend posing in the front seat of a car and looking at the camera through the cars front windshield.
Review: Vampire Weekend’s ‘Only God Was Above Us’ sinks its teeth into nihilistic perspectives
A black and white image of four smiling women poking their head through a tree.
Review: Chastity Belt’s ‘Live Laugh Love’ is dreamy collection of lyrical nostalgia
Seven people wearing medieval outfits dancing on a stage.
Review: ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ does celebrity casting right
A bearded Indian man wearing a blue suit kneels between the white words “Vir Das Mind Fool.” There are gold designs depicting clowns, microphones and mountains bordering the frame.
Award-winning comedian Vir Das brings India to Carnegie Hall in his ‘Mind Fool’ Tour
People standing in front of a stage with theater decor. There are brown cardboard that have trees and tree branches on them surrounding the stage.
Review: Rattlestick Theater holds first annual ‘Ratcracker’ fundraiser
Fake snow falls around a group of ballet dancers dressed in light blue costumes who stand on a stage that is designed to look like a forest covered in snow.
‘The Nutcracker’ is worth your time this December
A man wearing a top hat being lit up by a spotlight. Around him are various people all looking up toward him.
Review: 2023’s ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street’ revival brings more than blood and guts
A screen displayed on the wall of wooden sticks in water with a mountain in the background, an art piece displayed dangling from the ceiling and a red art piece displayed on a platform.
Review: ‘Threads to the South’ explores Latin American identity through textile art
Six black and white portraits on a wall.
Review: ‘Chelsea Hotel Portraits’ expertly reveals humanity in the Chelsea Hotel
A framed illustration from the exhibition of two peacocks in a field.
Review: ‘The Art of the Literary Poster’ exposes the history behind the evolution of creative marketing
Three people around a museum exhibit with blue walls displaying a photo of a person sitting at a graffitied piano and a photo of a woman, a man and a dog with a bike. Two neon bikes and a piano are on a raised platform in front of the photos.
Review: ‘Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ is a celebration of diversity
A girl wearing a black shirt holds a camera at her side while posing in a sandy outdoor area.
Elinor Kry discusses visual artistry in a visual world
An exterior view of the Stern School of Business. The Tisch Hall building is to the right and the Kaufman Management Center is to the left. In the foreground is the Gould Plaza public gathering area.
Opinion: Stern has a designated ‘lunch hour,’ other schools should too
An S.A.T. a practice pamphlet sits alongside a book featuring the words S.A.T. Test Preparation on it, and other study items on a desk.
Opinion: NYU needs to bring back mandatory standardized testing
A purple sketch illustration of a sad girl. In the background are the words “Meal Swipes: 0” written repeatedly.
Opinion: NYU must stop heavily relying on student generosity to provide food security
An illustration of students sitting in a large room for a student government meeting. On the left, a purple banner with the N.Y.U. torch logo hangs on the wall and reads “N.Y.U. S.G.A.”
Guest Essay: Why you should care about the SGA’s next chair
An illustration of a student government meeting. A person speaks behind a podium with an N.Y.U. flag behind them.
Opinion: NYU needs to take student government resolutions more seriously
A graphic with three strips of excerpts from a lawsuit document against a background of players competing on a volleyball court. The court has the logo of N.Y.U. Athletics in the middle.
Editorial: NYU, why didn’t you call Robinson’s foul?
Inside a New York City polling site. A red Vote N.Y.C. sign in the foreground, and a polling booth in the background.
Editorial: New York needs you to vote tomorrow
Protesters walk down University Place holding large signs that read “N.Y.U. OWES ADJUNCTS” and “UNION POWER.”
Editorial: NYU’s adjunct union tentative contract shouldn’t have taken this long
A man reading the October 4, 2022, edition of The New York Times. The newspaper headline reads “N.Y.U. Students Were Failing Class. The Professor Lost His Job.”
Editorial: The New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete.
A masked student sits in an NYU common area. She is surrounded by tables, chairs and a foosball table.
Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isn’t the time to be idle
The 6 subway train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on the overpass.
Opinion: Dramatically increasing law enforcement in NYC subways is not the answer to safety concerns
A street of New York City covered in rain and fog. Two people are walking on the sidewalk holding umbrellas.
Opinion: NYU needs to update its severe weather policy
A sign inside Grand Central Terminal that says “Hudson Lines Departures”, with departure times, track numbers, and destinations listed on it.
Opinion: Upstate New York is underrated
Exterior of an N.Y.U. building.
Opinion: NYU should be more transparent about its investments
A manipulated image showing a red broken-heart emoji superimposed against a warped image of the New York City skyline.
Opinion: NYC is the best place to get over heartbreak
An illustration of a white speech bubble that reads “This shit sucks” in black font. Next to it, another speech bubble that is blue and reads “Right?”. Both speech bubbles are against a gray grid background.
Opinion: A 3-step guide to complaining correctly
An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.
Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs
An illustration of a tweet from user @A1exandraCohen with text “if i EVER get Twitter blue, just know it’s a cry for help.” against a blue background. The tweet has two likes.
Opinion: Students can save Twitter
An illustration of white wired earphones surrounded by musical notes, against a blue background.
Opinion: It’s high time we embrace pop music again
An illustration of a hand with red fingernails holds a smartphone that displays a BeReal interface. The woman takes a selfie while she pets her dog.
Opinion: Let’s be real about BeReal
An illustration of an older man with a mustache and glasses, wearing a light blue shirt and navy blazer. Behind him are antiques and face designs.
Opinion: Renaming the Steinhardt school is long overdue
A neon purple L.E.D. sign saying “N.Y.U. TISCH” in a hallway that has white walls with several framed pieces hung on it.
Opinion: Drama students should be able to choose their preferred studio
An illustration of a black graduation cap with a purple tassel on top of three books in a pile. The books are blue, red and green and the pile is falling over. The background is purple with dollar bills scattered all around.
Opinion: Covering course fees is a necessary step toward affordability
A screen of the “N.Y.U. Connect for Students” page placed on a purple background.
Opinion: NYU advising needs to do better
A laptop displaying the webpage of “N.Y.U. Albert” course registration system.
Opinion: NYU’s course registration is outdated
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
A laptop with the screen open to “NYU Albert” is covered with a red X on the left, and a piece of paper with the NYU logo titled “Course Registration” is covered with a green checkmark on the right. The background is blue.
Off Third: NYU takes course registration completely off the grid
A crowd of students in a large lobby.
Off-Third: NYU to use students as human fire extinguishers following policy change
A wrecking ball comically shatters the Washington Square Arch into pieces. An X shape of yellow-and-black striped tape is behind the image, in front of a paler yellow background.
Off-Third: NYU to demolish Washington Square Park for campus expansion
An illustration of a black car with N.Y.U. Safe Ride logos on the hood and side. On top of the illustration is a smartphone displaying an application called “N.Y.U. Safe Ride.”
Off-Third: NYU Safe Ride adds skateboard service
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
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: An open letter to President Hamilton
An exterior view of the Stern School of Business. The Tisch Hall building is to the right and the Kaufman Management Center is to the left. In the foreground is the Gould Plaza public gathering area.
Opinion: Stern has a designated ‘lunch hour,’ other schools should too
A purple sketch illustration of a sad girl. In the background are the words “Meal Swipes: 0” written repeatedly.
Opinion: NYU must stop heavily relying on student generosity to provide food security
An illustration of a student government meeting. A person speaks behind a podium with an N.Y.U. flag behind them.
Opinion: NYU needs to take student government resolutions more seriously
Hair products on display at a store.
Opinion: Sidestein should sell curly hair products
An illustration of an orange bobcat sitting in an inflatable pool studying.
Opinion: Spring break couldn’t have come at a worse time
A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
A front entrance with the text “Electric Lady Studios” written in a retro white font on two reflective walls.
‘An exploitative environment’: The interns behind Electric Lady Studios
The exterior of the Morton Williams Supermarket, with a prominent red lettering that reads Morton Williams at the top of the building and the phrase The Fresh Marketplace beneath it.
How a supermarket became the center of NYU’s relationship with the Village
A graphic with three strips of excerpts from a lawsuit document against a background of players competing on a volleyball court. The court has the logo of N.Y.U. Athletics in the middle.
How Stuart Robinson’s misconduct went overlooked for years
Eight people stand in a line on a grass field and are doing warmup exercises, with a few of them talking to each other.
‘Unrecognizable’: How the women’s cross country team went from 4 runners to 5th in the nation
NYU womans basketball team celebrated their historic win at the University Senate meeting on March 28. (Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
‘Symbolic and celebratory’: NYU places No. 1 in D-III winter standings
The N.Y.U. Figure Skating Club pose for a picture in an indoor stadium.
NYU Figure Skating ends season as No. 4 in the nation
A man in traditional kendo wear, holding a string on the garment in front of himself.
In the Huddle: Danny Chung’s Kendo journey
An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.
Men’s volleyball wins conference, women’s tennis scores a victory and other news
A woman in a white jersey with a bib with the number 682 is running with a group of other women in jerseys.
Changing course: Narrowing the gender gap in cross country
Participants smile in a team photo with a dog.
NYU’s department of physical therapy hosts race to raise money for research
Four people toast over dinner.
The Dinner Party, redefined
The Toronto skyline at night.
Spring break snapshots: Grassy getaways to snow-stuck trucks
A crowd of people dance on a dance floor with their hands up. A disco ball hangs from the ceiling, and the room is basked in pink-ish purple light.
From prom to Pier 60: Violet Ball brings nostalgia to the dance floor
Groups of people stand between the basketball courts in the Paulson Center, with teams wearing matching colored shirts.
Schools clash at NYU All-University Games
Participants smile in a team photo with a dog.
NYU’s department of physical therapy hosts race to raise money for research
The Toronto skyline at night.
Spring break snapshots: Grassy getaways to snow-stuck trucks
A crowd of people dance on a dance floor with their hands up. A disco ball hangs from the ceiling, and the room is basked in pink-ish purple light.
From prom to Pier 60: Violet Ball brings nostalgia to the dance floor
Groups of people stand between the basketball courts in the Paulson Center, with teams wearing matching colored shirts.
Schools clash at NYU All-University Games
A large crowd filled by lion dancers and other people standing while red and yellow confetti is falling.
New York City welcomes the Year of the Dragon
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
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
Four people toast over dinner.
The Dinner Party Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An illustration of the Washington Square Arch shown from a low angle. Around and behind the arch are cells and a DNA strand.
The Research Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
A stylized illustration of a building with collaged newspaper clippings from old WSN printed issues. (illustration by Aaliya Luthra)
Celebrating 50 years of the Washington Square News
An illustration of an aerial view of Washington Square Park overlaid with texts that read Welcome Home! and N.Y.U.
Welcome Home, Class of 2027
Evolution of NYU | Under the Arch Magazine
Evolution of NYU | Under the Arch Magazine
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
LATEST
NYU womans basketball team celebrated their historic win at the University Senate meeting on March 28. (Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)
‘Symbolic and celebratory’: NYU places No. 1 in D-III winter standings
Jonathan Mak and Yezen Saadah • April 18, 2024
The exterior of a restaurant with a sign saying “CHOLA” and, below that, “COASTAL INDIAN CUISINE.
Chola brings elevated Indian flavors to seafood lovers everywhere
Teresa Mettela, Contributing Writer • April 18, 2024
A dorm room with two beds in University Hall.
Ranked: First-year residence halls
Annie Emans, Staff Writer • April 18, 2024
A girl wearing a white tank top and blue jeans sits on a store countertop, holding a wooden sign that reads, “Brandy Melville.”
Review: ‘Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion’ has been a long time coming
Bella Simonte, Contributing Writer • April 18, 2024
An exterior view of the Stern School of Business. The Tisch Hall building is to the right and the Kaufman Management Center is to the left. In the foreground is the Gould Plaza public gathering area.
Opinion: Stern has a designated ‘lunch hour,’ other schools should too
Polina Tyurikova, Contributing Writer • April 18, 2024
EDITOR'S PICKS
How a supermarket became the center of NYU’s relationship with the Village
Celebrating 50 years of the Washington Square News
How Stuart Robinson’s misconduct went overlooked for years
Editorial: NYU, why didn’t you call Robinson’s foul?

After Jay-Z and Beyonce Cuba trip, Obama should end embargo

April 25, 2013

Last week, President Barack Obama denied having any part in Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s trip to Cuba after lyrics surfaced from Jay-Z’s song “Open Letter” hinting that Obama may have given the supercouple clearance for their trip. Obama responded by saying, “This is not something the White House gets involved with, we have better things to do,” in a “Today” interview.

Two Florida Republicans — Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart — are requesting an investigation from the Treasury Department to look into the trip, as they believe the couple appeared to look and behave as tourists when they visited the country, basing their judgment on media reports and video footage of the couple strolling through the country’s capital Havana. The United States prohibits tourism in Cuba due to an embargo imposed on the country.

In his interview with “Today,” Obama claimed Jay-Z and Beyoncé traveled to Cuba for an educational visit.

This is interesting because you can travel to Cuba for educational purposes, humanitarian missions and other specific work-related reasons but not to enjoy your stay and sightsee, hang out and eat great food.

The United States devised the embargo as a commercial sanction on Cuba’s economy. So by traveling to Cuba for a vacation as an American citizen, you would be supporting their economy illegally. Knowing the history of America and Cuba and considering the embargo at hand, why would Jay-Z and Beyoncé saunter around Havana so casually when they are both American citizens?

Jay-Z is a multimillionaire, a recognized icon in his field and deemed a smart businessman. And while Beyoncé is a well-known singer internationally, the couple really don’t need this type of controversy. This is where it gets weird.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z both voted for Obama in his past presidential elections, supported him with fundraising campaigns and even performed for the president at rally events, so why would Jay-Z purposely put Obama’s name in a rap once he returned from his trip, knowing that it would stir up controversy?

Is the power couple using its star power to shed light on the embargo imposed on Cuba because of the economic effects it has on the third-world country? I believe so — celebrities are modern day gods, with substantial societal influence and reverent treatment from the public.

Americans will inquire about Cuba’s travel restrictions more as a result of the couple’s recent trip, and the embargo may be viewed as an unfair policy that causes millions of Cubans to suffer economically from the lack of American financial support.

Obama is in a position to fight for social change — even if he reverses the embargo, he does not have to worry about being re-elected again and thus has an opportunity to alter the policy now. Jay-Z and Beyoncé acted as advocates for the Cuban people by publicly traveling to the so-called communist island and filming their encounters with the people, shaking hands and smiling with the locals, giving American politicians and others the impression that they traveled as tourists.

Jay-Z then said he loves Cuba in his song and hinted that he was given special privileges by Obama, who has the power to remove the sanction and open up Cuba to the United States once and for all. Can you see the foundations being laid for a forthcoming social change? Remember the six letters of the Obama campaign back in 2008 — change.

David is a contributing columnist. Email him at [email protected]

6
View comments (6)
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News
Join  •  Submit  •  Advertise  •  About  •  Masthead  •  Donate  •  Tips  •  Off-Campus Housing
Washington Square News
Join  •  Submit  •  Advertise  •  About  •  Masthead
© 2024 Washington Square News • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in

Comments (6)

Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted.
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

  • M

    Marina Roberson • May 7, 2013 at 8:51 am

    check this out maybe the two went for other reasons//what else is the hot topic or hot person with a bounty on their head//maybe they brought someone back

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37526
  • D

    David Wyche • Apr 29, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    @facebook-100000106433045:disqus I agree the politicians didn’t seem intelligent after their rant, their probably upset because they don’t receive the same attention when they return to Cuba, especially considering the fact that both Jay-z and Beyonce are both Americans causing an eminent amount of attention in their hometown.

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37456
  • D

    David Wyche • Apr 29, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    @Carlos, the point is that he went there regardless of the embargo and embraced the people. His song was a tribute to all Cubans, not just those of a upper social class, for all Cubans in general. He is a business man, the last thing any business man needs is bad press, so he risked backlash, which points to the significance the trip holds. The embargo can be depicted and reflected as modern-day segregation from Americans to Cubans.

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37454
  • C

    Carlos Estevez • Apr 27, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Thanks for covering a Cuban topic! I tend to believe that Jay-Z’s trip is founded more on ignorance than on a covert mission to foster exchange. If you check out the places where he stayed and dined, they were state controlled places that few citizens have access to and most were banned from until recent years. Instead of seeing the real Cuba, he choose the tourist experience.

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37449
  • J

    John McAuliff • Apr 26, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    If you want to persuade the President to grant us freedom to travel for non-tourist purposes, askyour Representative if she or he has signed Rep Sam Farr’s Dear Colleague letter in support of a general license.

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37448
  • J

    John McAuliff • Apr 26, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    You could be right. The President doesn’t have the power to allow tourism to Cuba, but he could give us the same kind of general license for purposeful travel that he gave to Cuban Americans.

    The exile politicians in Miami looked just a dumb in attacking Beyonce and Jay-Z as they did in opposing return of Elian to his dad and Juanes performance in Havana.

    John McAuliff
    Fund for Reconciliation and Development

    Reply
    https://nyunews.com/2013/04/25/after-jay-z-and-beyonce-cuba-trip-obama-should-end-embargo/#comment-37446