NYU researchers found they could measure an animal’s consciousness by comparing how similarly it behaves to humans when encountering different circumstances. Detailed in a Feb. 20 report, their findings asserted that more animal-centered research could lead to a new understanding of consciousness in both humans and artificial intelligence.  The paper’s authors, environmental studies professor Jeff Sebo, philosophy professor Kristin Andrews and London School of Economics professor Jonathan Birch, focused on how specific indicators of consciousness — such as pain or laughter — presented itself in humans and compared the behavioral and physical reaction to that of another species. In an interview with WSN, Sebo said that because “consciousness” does not…

NYU received a B grade in a recent report compiled by the Anti-Defamation League rating responses to antisemitism on 135 college campuses — labeling the university as “better than most.”  The ADL, a prominent Jewish advocacy group aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses since October 2023, assessed how each university performed across 30 criteria including conduct policies, resources for Jewish community members and severity of “antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents.” The score came three days after the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of a Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism to investigate NYU, along with nine other colleges — each of which received a C grade or lower…

Hundreds of protesters from Students for Justice in Palestine chapters across New York City joined NYU students in Washington Square Park on Tuesday to condemn the Saturday detainment of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and leading pro-Palestinian activist.  The demonstration started in Garibaldi Plaza with speeches from an NYU professor and student addressing Khalil, who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite being a legal permanent resident. The detainment comes amid President Donald Trump’s threats to deport international students who have engaged in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.  “Anyone in the legal profession knows that that kind of arrest is flagrantly illegal and unconstitutional,” said…

NYU was not listed among the 60 universities said to be investigated by the U.S. Department of Education for complaints alleging antisemitic harassment, despite being one of 10 colleges slated for investigation by the Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. The department’s Office for Civil Rights sent letters to each of the 60 colleges two days ago warning them of “potential enforcement actions” if they fail to “fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus.” NYU, George Washington University and University of California, Los Angeles are the only three schools targeted by President Donald Trump’s antisemitism task force that were not…

NYU Shanghai received a record-breaking high of nearly 24,000 applications for its class of 2029. The milestone aligns with NYU’s latest overall admissions rate, which also reached a record high with more applications than any other private university in the United States. Each class at NYU Shanghai has approximately 500 available spots, half of which are reserved for domestic students from China and autonomous regions such as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The remaining spots are given to international students, with around 53% from the United States and the rest from 156 other countries.  NYU Shanghai’s class of 2027 received just 16,773 applications from 84 different countries. The campus’ class…

Dozens of students and community members rallied in Garibaldi Plaza on Tuesday, demanding that NYU expand its protections for transgender students and address NYU Langone Health’s decision to deny gender-affirming care to at least two patients last month.  Students chanted “When trans rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” “Don’t comply, don’t give in” and “Protect trans students, let them live.” Organized by NYU’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, the rally featured speakers from NYU’s LGBTQ+ Center, NYU’s Queer Union, Gemstones, United Auto Workers and Brown Sugar Brilliance.  “It has been weeks since we have sort of heard what is happening to…

NYU President Linda Mills announced the overdue appointment of the university’s Title VI coordinator on Monday amid the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on Columbia University.  David Krieger, who just wrapped up 13 years as a senior attorney for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, will oversee complaints relating to discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity or religious affiliation. NYU spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement to WSN that Krieger was selected “weeks ago,” and that Monday was his first day working at the university. The role was initially slated for appointment by the end of 2024.  During his time at the Department of Education, Krieger…