PHOTO BY RYAN QUAN, DESIGNED BY RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ AND LAURA SHKOURATOFF
2
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
Deans Wanted: Five Departures
By COCO WANG Deputy News Editor There have been frequent personnel changes at NYU since President Andrew Hamilton joined the university in January 2016. Although five deans have resigned since Hamilton officially assumed the position, NYU Spokesperson John Beckman said that the resignations do not necessarily indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. “There isn’t a pattern — there is a coincidence,” Beckman said. “The main lesson to be drawn from this is that NYU selects academic leaders whose talents are very attractive to other universities, so they are not infrequently recruited by other universities for higher posts. The counterweight is that our stature and location allow us to recruit really outstanding people both from within and without to ensure we continue to have effective leadership.” Below is a timeline of the resignations and updates on the progress of the searches for each dean’s respective replacement. Email Coco Wang at news@nyunews.com.
April 2016
September 2016
December 2016
VIA ENGLISH.FAS.NYU.EDU
VIA LS.NYU.EDU
Fred Schwarzbach
VIA NYU.EDU
Lynn Videka The University of Michigan announced on April 21 that Videka will leave her position as the Silver School for Social Work Dean to become the School of Social Work Dean at the University of Michigan. A search committee to find her successor formed in June 2016.
In an email to the LS community, Schwarzbach announced that he will step down in summer 2017 to pursue his academic and research goals and will return to teaching full-time in fall 2018. Schwarzbach has headed the Core Program and Global Liberal Studies Program for 12 years at NYU. The LS Dean Search Committee has selected three candidates for the final round of the search, and results will be announced to the LS community by the end of this semester.
NYU Langone Medical Center is continuing its expansion efforts by adding a site in Bay Ridge, according to the Brooklyn Eagle. NYU Lutheran houses NYU Langone’s Brooklyn location, which offers home care, a medical center and other services, to its surrounding community. The Brooklyn Eagle also said that NYU Langone has over 200 sites in the state, mainly concentrated within the five boroughs of New York City. Media Relations Manager for
Ambulatory Care at NYU Langone Deborah Haffeman said that the medical center’s strategy is to substantially increase the amount of ambulatory care and physician recruitment throughout Brooklyn. “NYU Langone in Manhattan has always had 30 percent of its patient base coming from Brooklyn, so it was important for us to be where people live,” Haffeman said. “NYU Lutheran was a good partner for us, and together, we’re now actively expanding the footprint that focuses on local ambulatory care, and hospital care when needed.”
Peter Henry
President Andrew Hamilton and Provost Katherine E. Fleming announced on Dec. 8 in an email to the NYU community that Starr will leave NYU at the end of the spring semester to become the Pomona College President. During her time as dean, Starr founded the College Cohort Program and expanded study away opportunity. A search committee for the new CAS dean was formed Jan. 17. Canary said that the committee has received advice from students and faculty through public listening sessions and is now applying the input to evaluate candidates. He said the committee will make recommendations to President Andrew Hamilton and Provost Katherine Fleming by the end of spring.
Henry served as the Stern School of Business dean for eight year, starting in the middle of the financial crisis. On Feb. 14, Henry sent an email to the Stern community saying he will step down from his position on Dec. 31, 2017. Henry said he made this decision, because he feels it necessary to focus on his research on the global economy at a time of slow growth in advanced economies. He said that such work requires a level of intensity that he cannot achieve as the Stern dean. However, Henry will still remain on the Stern faculty. In an interview with WSN, he said that after stepping down, he will resume teaching at Stern. The formation of a search committee for the new dean is currently underway.
WNS FILE PHOTO
NYU Langone Medical Center is continuing its Brooklyn expansion efforts by adding a site in Bay Ridge, according to the Brooklyn Eagle.
The first floor of the new building will be ready in early fall and other levels of the building will follow. Haffeman said Langone is also expanding beyond Bay Ridge. “We’re also expanding on the campus at NYU Lutheran in Sunset Park as part of our larger investment in the community,” Haffeman said. “We’re adding an ambulatory surgical center, a cancer center, endoscopy suite and making upgrades on the hospital and the [Federally Qualified Health Center].” Haffeman also said that Langone’s Bay Ridge site will have a full array of physicians — including primary care, cardiology and pulmonary specialists, among other types of specialists — as well as a new imaging center. “We needed a physician office space where there could be a multidisciplinary program for doctors who otherwise practice at NYU Lutheran to have their office-based practice,” Haffeman said. “This particular site was chosen because of its size, proximate location to the NYU Lutheran hospital and its accessibility to public transportation.” Email Natasha Roy at nroy@nyunews.com.
March 2017
VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Gabrielle Starr
Langone Expands to Bay Ridge By NATASHA ROY News Editor
February 2017
VIA STEINHARDT.NYU.EDU
Perry Halkitis Rutgers University announced March 22 that Academic Associate Dean of NYU’s College of Global Public Health Perry Halkitis will become its new dean of the School of Public Health in fall 2017. Dr. Halkitis — who specializes in research on HIV/ AIDS — is the founder and director of the Center for Health. He has worked in the departments of Applied Psychology, Global Public Health and Medicine at Steinhardt for 19 years. Beckman said that Halkitis is likely leaving NYU because of the offer of a promotion to deanship — he believes this has been the reason that a number of NYU’s current deans came to the university.
CRIME LOG
April 2 to April 9
By SAYER DEVLIN Deputy News Editor The NYU Department of Public Safety received three reports of larceny and one report of harassment between April 2 and April 9.
Larceny On April 3 at 9:35 a.m. a student reported that their bicycle was stolen from a railing in front of Vanderbilt Hall. Police notification was declined. On April 3 at 3:20 p.m. a staff member reported that a
piece of art was missing from an eighth floor stairwell in the Kimmel Center for University Life. A police report was filed. On April 6 at 1:55 p.m. a student reported that their umbrella was missing from a locker in NYU’s Dental Center.
Harassment
On April 6 at 12:08 a.m. a student in Rubin Residence Hall reported that they had received harassing text messages. Email Sayer Devlin at sdevlin@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
3
Lipton to Become Temporarily Plant-Based By HERMAN LEE Staff Writer
FILE PHOTO
Natalie Tennant, the former secretary of state of West Virginia, will soon be the manager of state advocacy at The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law’s Democracy Program. She is expected to advocate for voting reform across the nation.
West Virginia’s Former Secretary of State Joins NYU
By MIRANDA LEVINGSTON AND HTOO MIN Deputy News Editors
Natalie Tennant, the former secretary of state of West Virginia, will join the NYU community as the manager of state advocacy at The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law’s Democracy Program. She is expected to advocate for voting reform across the nation through the center, according to the center’s press release. Tennant served as secretary of state in West Virginia from 2009 to 2017, where she played a crucial role in passing the Automatic Voter Registration act — a policy that is expected to dramatically boost voting rates, reduce voter fraud and increase the accuracy of vote counts. The press release also said that at the Brennan Center, NYU’s nonpartisan law and policy institute, Tennant is anticipated to advocate for new policy initiatives to improve voter registration and the voting process. Deputy Director of the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program Myrna Perez thinks Tennant is an invaluable addition to the team due to her policy background. “Natalie was a tireless advocate for voters in West Virginia, and we’re thrilled to have her join our team,” Perez said. “Her coalition-building skills, knowledge of the political landscape and election administration experience will be invaluable as we champion voter-friendly reforms across the country.” Perez also said that Tennant’s former position as secretary of state will give
the Brennan Center the insight and drive needed to create lasting reform. The Brennan Center’s Chief Operating Officer John Anthony Butler also said that Tennant’s experience prior to holding office will also contribute to the center’s success. “Her skill, knowledge and relationships in election administration and campaigning, garnered as West Virginia Secretary of State and [from] a career in journalism, [will] allow her to be a major asset for the Brennan Center,” Butler said. “Particularly as we ramp up efforts to promote adoption of our signature Automatic Voter Registration initiative in more states around the country.” Prior to holding office, Tennant ran a small business and was a news anchor for more than 12 years. Butler said that because of Tennant’s previous careers, she has gained essential contacts with allies around the country that will further the Brennan Center’s fight against voter fraud. “Among other things, the project, now with Natalie’s involvement, will continue to monitor state election laws and work with allies around the country,” Butler said. “Through research, writing, public and legal advocacy, [the project will] help ensure every citizen — to the [greatest] extent possible — has equal and unfettered ballot access in order to exercise their right to vote.”
Lipton Dining Hall will temporarily remove animal products from April 23 to April 26 after the Animal Welfare Collective fought for a vegan-only menu in conjunction with Earth Week. The AWC, a student group that advocates for animal rights, met with dining hall administrators and Aramark — NYU’s food provider — to secure the event and advocate for Lipton to become vegan, with mixed reactions from students. Stern senior and AWC President Anami Nguyen said that the group worked with the dining administration and the Humane Society of the United States to discuss plant-based dining at NYU. Nguyen said that the group spoke consistently with the society and that they received operational help from them. Nguyen said that Lipton’s three-day program is intended as a test run for students, administrators and dining staff to see how a wholly plant-based dining hall would work at NYU. She said the initiative will bring more awareness to students about plant-based foods. “First of all, you come in and some people don’t have a lot of exposure to plantbased foods, they might come in thinking it might just be like grass,” Nguyen said. “I hope that it’s going to be a great experience in the short run for everyone, for NYU Dining, for Aramark, for the students, and I hope that is going to increase excitement, because it is something new, and something fresh, and something sustainable.” Nguyen said that the AWC conducted several comprehensive surveys to see what
NYU students think about plant-based dining, and found that NYU students were mostly accepting of it. Two AWC board members who live in Lipton asked residents what they thought of the initiative, and they received positive feedback. CAS junior Amanda Regalado, the chair of the Student Services committee that is helping the AWC with its plant-based dining hall initiative, said that a vegan dining hall would be a good idea. “If in fact a plant-based dining hall is created, I suspect its impact would be mainly positive,” Regalado said. “Based on case studies we’ve reviewed, there should be no price increases. Aramark, the company that provides our dining services, already has plant-based menu items that can be initiated. The great thing about plant-based food is that vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike can eat it — plus, vegans and vegetarians will have a more appetizing menu and a greater variety of options.” LS freshman and AWC member Aneri Mehta said that the three-day event was a collaboration between AWC, administrators and dining hall staff. Mehta also said that the event coincides with NYU’s efforts to become more sustainable. “We don’t want to force anyone to eat in a certain way,” Mehta said. “It’s really your business, but having this dining hall, having this option, it really goes with NYU’s dedication to sustainability. Boston University already is going to have a fully plant-based dining hall next year and New York is such a great location to do this.”
Email Herman Lee at news@nyunews.com.
Email Miranda Levingston and Htoo Min at news@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYU NEWS.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEW S.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEWS.CO NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYU NYUNEWS.COM NEWS.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEW S.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEWS.CO NYUNEWS.COM NYUNEWS.COM NYU
STAFF PHOTO BY WANTING HUANG
Lipton Dining Hall is going vegan from April 23 to April 26 for Earth Week, which starts April 22. The AWC, a student group for animal rights, advocated for the three-day event at Lipton.
4
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
ARTS
EDITED BY HAILEY NUTHALS ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Bright but Not Quite ‘Gifted’ By TRISTEN CALDERON Staff Writer
After what feels like decades of exposition, the film “Gifted” unfortunately delivers nothing new in the way of emotionally-driven plots or characters. This predictable story follows the custody battle of seven-yearold Mary Adler (Mckenna Grace) as her uncle and grandmother argue over the best way to raise her. Frank Adler (Chris Evans) has been raisingMary in a small Florida town since the suicide of his sister, and after years of homeschooling her, Frank decides to send his genius niece to public school so that she can develop proper social skills and make friends her own age. She immediately stands out through her intellect and unintentionally catches the attention of her high-society grandmother, who wants to take Mary from Frank so that she can reach her full potential. Grace immediately steals the show with her wide range of emotion and uncanny acting ability. Evans’ performance is endearing, but only that — his emotions emerge just enough to make his commitment believable. The rest of the cast’s performances simply played to stereotypes. Octavia Spencer, who plays a friendly neighbor, and Jenny Slate, Mary’s elemen-
tary teacher, both deliver roles that only serve to motivate other characters. Even the talented Lindsay Duncan delivers a performance as a one-dimensional antagonist. Director Marc Webb knows how to capture a live story, as shown in “The Amazing Spiderman” and its sequel, but that spark exclusively occurs between Evans and Grace. The cinematography is aesthetically similar to this year’s Oscar-winning Best Picture “Moonlight,” which also follows a child in Florida who challenges the status quo. The set design is nicely detailed but not distracting. The editing is smooth and clear. The linear chronology delivers the simplicity of the story, while making it feel like a true slice-of-life story. “Gifted” includes just enough exposition, a standard development of conflict, the necessary amount of gravitas, substantial revelations, a predictable resolution and a decently satisfying gesture to the future. However, some moments feel forced and unnecessary — they are unmotivated and thus fall flat. Ultimately, “Gifted” was good. The protagonists’ solid performances keep the story engaging with its funny moments and lines. There are even a handful of touching moments, but the film and story give only the expected. The film is or-
dinary in every way and most viewers know exactly what to expect — a sappy family drama about a bright little girl, her British grandmother and her handsome uncle. Email Tristen Calderon at film@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF JACK SCHNEIDER
Tisch sophomore Jack Schneider played at the Bitter End for the third time, performing his new record “Snapshots.” On his self-produced sophomore EP, Schneider played all the instruments besides the drums.
Jack Schneider: Bringing Back the Roots By JAKE STEEL Contributing Writer
COURTESY OF FOX SEARCHLIGHT
Mark Webb’s new film “Gifted” is currently in theaters. The movie is about a little girl who is a math prodigy and stuck in a custody battle between her uncle and grandmother.
Transforming the Financial District By ELIOT CHOI Contributing Writer
Over 50 different street artists are on display at 4 World Trade Center on its 69th floor. Rather than fine art hanging on the walls, sculptures and murals occupy this space. Doug Smith, Jane Chun Smith and Joshua Geyer curated the exhibition with Executive in Charge of Production Robert Marcucci, and they tried creating an environment that incorporated art not typically associated with business offices. Silverstein Properties Founder
and Chairman Larry Silverstein gave Smith and his fellow curators the rare opportunity to overhaul the floor, which overlooks the Hudson and East Rivers. Ron English, WhIsBe, Stickymonger, Sonni, Chinon Maria and Lauren YS all contributed to this collection, which aimed to bring street-style art into the World Trade Center in a meaningful way. World Trade Center curators asked the artists to put more thought into their work rather than just decorating the walls with paintings. The elevator doors even feature art installations that coincide with those
PHOTO BY ELIOT CHOI
The 69th floor of 4 World Trade Center displays murals and sculptures by over 50 different street artists.
around them, making the entire floor feel immersed in New York City representations. Pieces include recycled parking meters turned into microcosms of New York City, murals paying homage to the city’s history and graffiti. Smith said to WSN that he explicitly recruited local artists for the more permanent pieces to evoke familiarity for New Yorkers. A number of murals include depictions of Lady Liberty and tributes to 9/11. Joe LaPadula and Jenna Krypell’s mural “Beautiful Freedom” depicted the Twin Towers and an American flag to commemorate those who passed and to unify New Yorkers and its observers. The project is a continuation of efforts to bring the arts into the Financial District. Artists and curators alike have already been sprinkling art across New York City by installing their work in places such as formerly vacant storefronts, beauty salons and storage spaces. This project aims to expand the movement into the Financial District, in hopes of reaching spaces lacking not just art, but street art specifically. Email Eliot Choi at entertainment@nyunews.com.
Vince Gill, the multi-platinum singer/songwriter, 21-time Grammy Award-winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee told a young Jack Schneider: “What young guitarists will learn is what not to play.” Now a Tisch sophomore, Schneider has never forgotten those words, and this Atlanta native played all the instruments in his self-produced sophomore EP “Snapshots.” Schneider performed at the Bitter End for the third time since he started at NYU and played his new record, “Snapshots” to a packed audience March 29. Produced without a recording budget, Schneider stood in below-freezing weather to secure walk-in studio time just to take his career into its next steps. “[‘Snapshots’ is] a concept record,” Schneider said. “Six vignettes, moments, images [that] I tried to capture through songs [using] any mechanism or means possible to tell the story. Not just the stories, but how they’re captured like photographs.” While electronic music has dominated the modern music scene, Schneider differentiates himself by sticking with his guitar-centered, lyric-driven production style. He developed an affinity for this roots music style while performing in his high school jug band. After writing most of his new songs during his stay in Nashville, Tenn. last summer, he incorporated electric guitar and bluegrass elements to make “Snapshots” its own creature. “[The album is] an urban country record,” Schneider said. “Too urban for Nashville, too Nashville for NYC — but
in a good way.” He cites the Carter Family, Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie as his influences. “For me to understand what [my influences] do, I need to listen to what inspired them,” Schneider said. “A lot of people know ‘Country Roads,’ but don’t know that it’s a standard.” Schneider also said he admires Bob Dylan, who similarly shifted from an acoustic to an electric sound and had a reputation for political activism. Schneider said he has yet to tackle the latter. “It’s all about a story,” Schneider said. “I haven’t had a story to tell politically, but I will. To be a witness you can’t stand and do nothing. If I feel that something I’m experiencing does not feel right, then I will write those stories.” Schneider said he wants to buy a tape machine and record his next record completely live, like a 1960s country music session. Schneider said he sees himself as a messenger. “Whenever I listen to [my songs] now, I listen to the story,” Schneider said. “I think that’s lost a lot nowadays because [many popular artists] focus on being bold, showing off and making a statement.” Per Vince Gill’s advice, Schneider forgoescomplex compositions so his stories can be heard. “Snapshots” not only shows that Schneider channels the messages of his influences, but also proves that the young musician can create captivating stories of his own. “Snapshots,” released March 31, is available for purchase on iTunes or for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. Email Jake Steel at music@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
5
ARTS
EDITED BY HAILEY NUTHALS ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Evolving With Your Favorite Song
By SIERRA JACKSON Managing Editor Music is more than just a language to Steinhardt music technology professor Svjetlana Bukvich-Nichols — it’s an evolutionary tool that alters how people digest emotion. Bukvich-Nichols hopes that humans will one day master the frequencies which they hear now, and evolve physiologically
Bukvich-Nichols also said the traditional Western tempo and tuning systems — which most musicians are trained in — limit an artist’s ability to evolve musically and express more nuanced sounds and emotions. Removing these restrictions, she actively fuses avant-garde, classical, art rock, American experimental and world music styles in her teaching. She explained that
“
These different experiences made me seek the flow between cultures and mediums and what it is — this sounds like a cliche — that connects us. SVJETLANA BUKVICH-NICHOLS
”
enough to hear ranges currently unknown to them. “That goes hand-in-hand with the kind of evolution I think is inevitable anyway because of the technology we now have, and also the kind of speed at which we experience the world,” Bukvich-Nichols said. “So there’s a need for human cognitive powers to increase, and I think that’s really an exciting thing.”
reliance on electronic music allows her to create a sound that communicates her identity as a musician and an individual. She also believes differentiating between genres and their respective tuning systems deters people from fully understanding music. “I think it’s a matter of looking at the world as a prism — borderless, really,” Bukvich-Nichols said. “But
that doesn’t mean no structure inside of a musical piece. It just means deeper investigation into who we are and expressing that outwardly.” Bukvich-Nichols attributed her emphasis on structure to the Russo-German music style she trained in while growing up in Sarajevo, Bosnia. She said her classical piano training serves as the foundation for her music comprehnsion. She said every place she’s lived — from Edinburgh to New York City — has influenced her sound and expression. “I think having lived in different places also shaped a lot how I look at the world and what I do,” Bukvich-Nichols said. “These different experiences made me seek the flow between cultures and mediums and what it is — this sounds like a cliche — that connects us.” She considers music to be a universal language that can only be mastered through experimentation. She said that, as with any language, evolution is inevitable. “For people, it’s a kind of language they’re writing or how they communicate the body language — the movement — and then how that brings about new lexicons,” Bukvich-Nichols said. “I think it’s coming. It’s going to be impossible because we will evolve. We won’t be satisfied with what we have.”
PHOTO BY ROBERT HERMAN
Steinhardt music technology professor and musician Svjetlana Bukvich-Nichols believes music deepens how people express emotion. She believes that artists, whose music creates intricate emotions, can profoundly impact the world. “It’s creating a language that will propel evolution to go faster because we are already on that track,” Bukvich-Nichols said. “I do sound
because I see a beautiful human race that is evolving to these practices and the world becoming a better place in the end.” Email Sierra Jackson at sjackson@nyunews.com.
Miss Saigon at The Broadway Theatre
COURTESY OF MATTHEW MURPHY
Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil wrote the Broadway Theatre’s Vietnam War-based production, “Miss Saigon.” By KAMILA DAURENOVA Contributing Writer Picking the biggest showstopper of The Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” is difficult — the helicopter that flies onstage mid-show or the miraculous voice that erupts from Eva Noblezada, its 21-year-old leading lady. After a stunning solo performance at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, the 18-year-old Noblezada was cast in the highly coveted role of Kim, a virginal Vietnamese girl working her first night at a brothel. Her in-
nocence catches the attention of American G.I. Chris (Alistair Brammer), who is preparing to return home and promises to take her with him. The starcrossed lovers are torn apart as Saigon collapses around them — yet Kim faithfully believes he will return. Saying that Nobledaza — who is playing the same role that jumpstarted actress Lea Salonga’s legendary career — has big shoes to fill would be an understatement. Still, Noblezada does so with ease. Her voice effortlessly switches from a fluttery soprano in the
delicate “Wedding Ceremony” to gutting belts for anthems like “I’d Give My Life for You” and “Little God of My Heart.” Three years pass and Chris finds a wife in America — a betrayal even more devastating when it is revealed that Kim is struggling to survive with their son. Noblezada captures both the innocent naivete of teenage Kim and the desperate self-sacrificial love of a toughened mother. Opposite such a performance, Brammer’s Chris falls short. With a striking on-stage resemblance to his “Les Miserables”
co-star Aaron Tveit, there is no doubt that he is charismatic and all-American. Yet the actor brings a rigidity and stiffness to the role, which overshadows his powerful vocal delivery in the ballad “Why God Why?” In “I Still Believe,” Kim sings a haunting cross-ocean duet with Chris’ new wife Ellen (Katie Rose Clarke) that ends with a cringingly melodramatic “Noooo!” from Brammer. While these moments deduct from the play, Devin Ilaw’s Thuy — Chris’ rival for Kim’s affections— shines in contrast. With his mesmerizing command of the stage, it is almost shocking that Kim does not choose him. Among an array of chart-topping musical theater scores rooted in pop, returning to this Schonberg and Boubil classic brings a refreshing nostalgia. The score matches the plot’s emotional complexity. Kim and Chris’ solo saxophone theme stabs at the heart with a wistful elegance, making subtle returns when their love seems doomed. Most of the songs seem to have such an effortless connection, so the superficial “Bui Doi,” performed by Chris’ friend John (Nicholas Christopher), stands out. Set to a glorified PowerPoint slideshow, the drab design does not help
and makes this segment a low point in the otherwise spectacular work by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley. The helicopter, however, is a fiberglass contraption combined with projections and strong fans for a striking effect. That’s surprisingly not where the showiness peaks — “American Dream” brings a giant Statue of Liberty head onstage, which vomits out a Cadillac surrounded by flappers. In the midst of all this, Jon Jon Briones’ robust performance as The Engineer still manages to captivate attention. An abusive, vulgar pimp who discovers and exploits Kim, the Engineer acts as the play’s problematic comedic relief, culminating in an astonishingly accurate comparison to Donald Trump. The play strongly connects to the refugee crisis of today. Kim commits suicide a few steps from her son to ensure that he grows up in America and not in war-torn Vietnam. As thousands of refugees suffer around us, “Miss Saigon” acts as a magnifying glass into the desperation of escape. “Miss Saigon” is now running at the Broadway Theatre at 1681 Broadway. Email Kamila Daurenova at theater@nyunews.com.
6
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
FEATURES
EDITED BY TAYLOR NICOLE ROGERS FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
Troll Food Takes Us Over to the Dark Side
By SHERAH NDJONGO Staff Writer
The days of the rainbow food trend are winding down. Now it’s time to say hello to the troll food craze. More appealing than it sounds, troll food refers to dark-colored foods, which are usually black or purple. More and more foodies have been documenting all types of these edible delights, from ice cream to macarons and even burgers — these food afficionados encourage others to check out this new craze. People are not picky either — whether the hues are natural or dyed, fans of this latest trend don’t hesitate to promote it on social media. A growing number of local
By DREW LEDERMAN Staff Writer Sally Albright of “When Harry Met Sally” demonstrated that women can fake orgasms — and fake them well — as she groaned, gasped and let out a few “oh yeahs.” This orgasmic scene would definitely make your grandma blush and grab her pearls. But none of this could have happened without its perfect location: Katz’s Delicatessen. The order-up eatery on the Lower East Side represents a timeless deli culture that was brought by Jewish immigrants and became popularized at the turn of the century. What started in 1888 as a takeout service for Jewish people became a community hang-out, which grew into a city-wide mecca for traditional Jewish deli fare. The deli grew through the years and during World War II, even offered delivery to those serving
restaurants in New York City are welcoming this rising trend as well and have started selling their own versions of troll food. Some have become the most popular options on their menu. Take Soft Swerve, located on the Lower East Side. Its purple yam and black sesame ice cream flavors are often recommended for their taste, as well as their picture-perfect appearances. They also offer black chocolate cones for maximum effect. Similarly, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in downtown Manhattan introduced an original jet-black flavor called Coconut Ash last year. Since then, many have flocked to the parlor to taste this unique sweet treat. But troll food is not a new con-
cept. For centuries, squid ink has been used to give foods like pasta and croissants a darker shade in addition to enhancing their flavor. The scope of this fad extends beyond food. BLK, a highly successful international company, produces a popular black drinking water. So why is troll food just now making its way onto our plates? The answer is not a simple one, but chances are, it’s in response to a decreasing interest in the rainbow food craze. Color often plays a major role in the desirability of food — more unique colors are more shareable on social networking platforms. But now that we’ve spent far too long looking at the bright dye combinations of the rain-
bow food trend, it’s time to start craving something on the other side of the color wheel. After all, just like every other industry, the culinary world sees a constant shift in what’s new and most coveted by consumers. That mantle is now decidedly occupied by troll food. The drastic transition from rainbow food mania to troll food galore may seem sudden, but it was almost inevitable. Previously considered a novelty, dark-colored cuisine is now more accessible than ever. While it’s reigning supreme at the moment, it might not be here forever, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Email Sherah Ndjongo at dining@nyunews.com.
When Katz Met Delicatessen
overseas with the slogan, “Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army.” The menu is full of classic Jewish food: pastrami sandwiches, reubens, matzo ball soup, egg cream, latkes, kugel, blintzes and knishes. They also have less-known but still traditional options like tongue sandwiches and chopped liver. The meat is cured slowly — taking up to 30 days to perfect, without any chemical additives. The food quality draws both locals and tourists. And by looking at the pictures on the wall, it’s clear that its fans include the rich and famous.One of Katz’s managers, Charles de la Cruz, said the restaurant gets around 2,000 visitors on weekdays and 4,000 on weekends. Cruz said that everyone who comes to New York usually ends up visiting the deli. “Mostly, they come because their parents came, because their grandparents came,” Cruz said. “Sometimes you see three or four
generations sitting at the same table, and that’s what’s amazing about this place.” When you walk into Katz’s you are immediately given a ticket and told not to lose it: it is your
way in, your way to order and your way out. You give your ticket to one of the many “cutters” lined up at the counter, who take your order, write it on your ticket and make your food right
PHOTO BY CHARLES LEE
Katz’s Delicatessen is a famous deli on the Lower East Side that was brought over by Jewish immigrants.
VIA WIKIMEDIA.COM
Troll food is a new trend that can be found in ice cream, macaroons and burgers, among others. It features dark-colored foods that are usually black or purple.
in front of you. The ticket system is a 128-yearold tradition that is strictly enforced. It sounds demanding, but if you lose your ticket the staff will work with you to figure out what you what you ordered before you can go on your merry way. But for those who aren’t so merry, you might walk out with a bit more than just food. “If you lose a ticket and you’re obnoxious, we have charged up to $100,” Cruz said. “People have been arrested.” There might be tough guys working at Katz, but don’t let that fool you — they are the nicest servers, cooks and busboys you will ever meet. And the deli is open 24 hours on weekends, so you can stop in for a friendly face and a pastrami on rye whenever your heart and stomach may please. Email Drew Lederman at dining@nyunews.com
Take a Hit: Cannabis Beauty Products
By PAMELA JEW Staff Writer
STAFF PHOTO BY SHIVA DARSHAN
The beauty world is increasingly seeing the use of cannabis infused everyday products. They have been featured in lotions, perfumes and face masks.
Beauty brands use all kinds of gimmicks to get consumers to buy their products, but now they’re trying something new — cannabis. The beauty industry is changing the meaning of pothead as consumers get hooked on the benefits of cannabis products. They are making a statement in the beauty world and are in products ranging from lotions to perfumes to face masks. Cannabis products use hemp seed oil, which is extracted from the cannabis plant. Hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, so rather than blocking pores, it moisturizes them. Hemp seed oil is full of vitamin E to encourage healthy skin reproduc-
tion and vitamin C to enhance skin tone and elasticity. It also boasts vitamin B, which helps firm the skin due to the vitamin’s fatty acids. Hemp also regenerates collagen to prevent wrinkles and retain moisture. Known to reduce inflammation, hemp seed oil can reduce acne and flaking, while also smoothing stretch marks. Besides being able to save your skin from harsh chemicals and substances — like alcohol and mineral-based products — hemp seed is a renewable and sustainable resource. Concerned about smelling like a hot box? Cannabis and marijuana, which are commonly interchangeable terms, aren’t the same thing. That means their scents are starkly different. Cannabis refers to
the entire plant and its hemp offspring, whereas marijuana denotes the aspects of the plant used in medical and recreational forms, known to give off a high. Hence, cannabis products are void of the stereotypical scent. Most of these products, like Hempz lotions and The Body Shop’s Hemp line have subtle musk scents that don’t scream cannabis and instead omit a light, earthy patchouli scent. To get the full hemp smell, opt for Fresh’s Cannabis Rose Eau de Parfum, which combines the earthy tones of hemp with floral notes. Aside from body products, hemp is also found in face treatments, cosmetics and hair products. Kate Somerville’s popular Deep Tissue
Repair cream might cost you $150, but customers praise the cream’s results, giving it an almost five-star review on the brand’s website. The Apothecanna Cherry Balm can be used either as lip balm or as a spot treatment on irritated skin. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics uses hemp oil in its lip tars to make the long-wear product less drying. Oyin Handmade sells a Honey Hemp conditioner that uses honey to add shine and hemp for strength. Try adding some of these dope beauty products to your daily routine for a natural substitute to your usual harsh beauty products. Email Pamela Jew at bstyle@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
7
FEATURES
EDITED BY TAYLOR NICOLE ROGERS FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
It Takes The Village to Raise a Baby By LAURA RUBIO Contributing Writer
If you think college is stressful, imagine the balancing act requires to get a university education while raising a child at the same time. Shveta Alreja and Cindy Pang are two Steinhardt graduate students majoring in early childhood education looking forward to their May. graduations Alreja, who gave birth to her daughter this past fall semester, is relieved that her educational journey is nearing its end as she transitions into her role of mother. “I feel like, because it’s my last semester, I’m just focusing on the end right now,” Alreja said. Pang transitioned into motherhood with her two sons, aged two and four, before her time at NYU as a graduate student. However, both she and Alreja agree that the challenges don’t go away as children get older. “I think it’s balancing responsibility and time management that has been especially difficult,” Alreja said. “I feel like more than anything we’re [Alreja and her husband] just strapped for time.” Pang added that balancing school, student teaching and part-time work is hard enough as is but that coming home to children makes the dynamic even harder. Both mothers can study because of the childcare support that their families provide. Alreja and her husband are both students , and they live with his parents so that their daughter iswell taken care of. Alreja said that she can continue her education becasue of them — had they
COURTESY OF CINDY PANG
Steinhardt student-parent Cindy Pang smiles with her family. Raising children while studying at university presents a world of unique challenges that the common student is
been unavailable, she might have had to take a semester off. Pang changed career paths and is particularly grateful that her husband takes care of their boys when she’s at school or studying. “I’m a career changer, so between my husband and myself, we decided as I was transitioning to a new career that I would need the training,” Pang said. “So we decided that he would stay home while I was able to go to school full-time.” They both worked for a few
their children or express milk. “I think that’s an area that could definitely be increased here at NYU,” Carencia said. “NYU is very decentralized and mothers that are nursing are everywhere.” Further support can be found by way of a childcare subsidy, which full-time graduate students can apply for if their child is younger than six years old. If approved, NYU grants them $200 every semester to spend at their discretion. Carencia also helps organize events to bring the stu-
“
With the pregnancy and the baby, that hasn’t hindered me or my husband from pursuing what we had in mind. SHVETA ALREJA
”
years to fund her education, which is why it’s so important to Pang that she get sa job upon graduation. They were able to save just enough money for tuition but not enough to pay for childcare, so Pang’s husband is crucial to the equation. “Putting all that money into this program was sort of a risk, because we have a family,” Pang said. “We have no savings for emergencies and things like that.” Alreja believes her professors’ understanding of her situation was instrumental to her success. “They were kind enough to let me work from home,” Alreja said. “They made that exception for me.” Pang acknowledged that universities like NYU do a lot for their student-parents but that she wants to see more done, such as a space on campus dedicated to parents. On the few occasions that she’s had to bring her family to school events, the experience was often isolating. “If you’re the only one with the children, it’s not as welcoming,” Alreja said. “So I think the space would help in bringing the students-with-children community closer together.” Rollie Carencia, Assistant Director at the Student Resource Center, works closely with military veterans and graduate students at NYU. Student-parents can talk with Carencia if they want more information about the services the university has to offer. Among other resources, Carencia said that NYU provides lactation rooms for breastfeeding mothers throughout campus. According to the university website, there are currently three private nursing rooms around the Washington Square Park campus and two at the Brooklyn campus, where new mothers can nurse
dent-parent community together. “In the fall, we had a zoo trip at the Central Park Zoo for students with children,” Carencia said. “And then, in the spring, we had a Brooklyn Nets game night,” Carencia said. For many without children it can be difficult to understand what the student-parent experience is like, but Alreja and Pang help put it into perspective. “I feel like my priorities have shifted,” Alreja said. “My focus is really on my child right now.” Pang said some people compare being a student-parent to people who have full-time jobs and attend school full-time. The difference, Pang said, is that fulltime jobs end at a certain time. “You’re not a parent for six to eight hours of the day and then you go home and relax,” Pang said. “It’s sort of a 24-hour-a-day job and so I guess it’s not really equatable in that sense.” As with any struggle or challenge, nothing is impossible if you try hard enough, a belief Alreja and Pang hope they can instill in their children. Alreja stressed the importance of an education and not stopping for anything. “With the pregnancy and the baby, that hasn’t hindered me or my husband from pursuing what we had in mind,” Alreja said. “It’s just one added responsibility, but it’s okay.” Pang hopes her sons will pursue whatever they’re passionate about, no matter the obstacles that may be in their way. “I think, for myself, I wanted to switch careers earlier, and I waited a little bit longer than I wish I did,” Pang said. “If you have something that you’re really passionate about, you should just go for it.” Email Laura Rubio at features@nyunews.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
The teal crop top from Urban Outfitters. While women have been sporting crop tops for a long time, men rarely wear this fashion item.
Men and Crop Tops: A Fashion Revolution? By CHRISTOPHER COLLADO Staff Writer
Crop tops are known as a fun fashion look executed by women — but there has suddenly been a debate as to whether men should wear them too. Justin Bieber ignited this debate when he was recently spotted on the beach while wearing a cropped white tank top. While it shouldn’t be a big deal for men to wear crop tops — this was once even considered a trend — Bieber, as one of the biggest male celebrities of this decade, is making a major fashion statement by sporting one. This statement could make wearing crop tops mainstream for men. The transgressive trend for men to wear crop tops may only now be on the cusp of conventional culture, but it’s been present in the gay community and club culture for decades. Websites like Marek + Richard market towards this demographic, offering a large collection of crop tops for men. Prior to this, crop tops in mainstream fashion publications were only marketed toward women. Every major female celebrity throughout the past four decades has worn a crop top: from streetwear, to red carpets and even on stage. Cher and Madonna in the ‘80s and ‘90s commanded this look, while Britney Spears and Paris Hilton mastered it in the 2000s. And now in the 2010s, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus are embracing this trend. These female icons have made it normal for women to wear crop tops. However, it is a rarity to spot a male celebrity at a red carpet event, performance, movie or on the street wearing a crop top. Tisch freshman Justin Verbiest expressed his frustration with the social norm limiting men from wearing crop tops. Verbiest said he’s a fan of the style, but feels as if he can’t wear one because it’s not a standard in men’s fashion, and there’s a certain vocabulary surrounding beauty for men versus beauty for women. “It’s sad, because the male body is beautiful and crop tops only exploit that beauty in the best way,” Verbiest said. “I feel like men do not feel as beautiful as women
do because [people] are taught that men are ‘hot’ or ‘sexy’ and women are ‘beautiful’ because that’s just the unfortunate society in which we grew up.” Verbiest also noted that this standard is an obstacle for men embracing other traditionally female areas of fashion and even emotions. “I feel that once men can see the beauty within our sex, it’ll be easier for us to wear makeup, paint our nails, show the world that we cry too, and strut across New York streets in crop tops,” Verbiest said. “And I’m more than ready for that,” Verbiest said. However, CAS freshman Harry Rabindra said that men shouldn’t mind social constructs and that they should try the crop top trend if they have the confidence. “I don’t think it’s a big deal that Justin Bieber and men in general wear crop tops,” Rabindra said. “Justin Bieber has a good body, and if he wants to show it, he should. I think men in general should wear crop tops if they feel comfortable — who am I to tell them they can’t?” CAS freshman Michelle Mawere pointed out that the crop top trend isn’t new for men. She thinks that men should channel ‘90s pop culture icons while wearing crop tops. “Sexy ‘90s men like Will Smith, Johnny Depp and Michael J. Fox sported crop tops and while showing off their toned lower abs, they made themselves 10 times more appealing,” Mawere said. “I don’t understand why men would shy away from crop tops because they’re ‘too feminine.’ It’s attractive to many women and if done right, and with confidence, it’s a great way to show off.” The crop top should not be an article of clothing limited to women. If a man feels comfortable wearing a crop top, then he should wear it. Men of all body types should feel like wearing a crop top is an option for them. Just because it has been a female fashion staple in celebrity culture does not mean that men cannot also have a fashion revolution. It’s time for men to start wearing crop tops and look good doing it. Email Christopher Collado at bstyle@nyunews.com.
what is your favorite family dish? My dad used to make a grilled pizza dish with caramelized onions, Gorgonzola cheese and rosemary. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, because it represents my childhood cuisine. We would all sit together and eat this meal together — it was great family bonding. It was also very delicious. Charles Thomas, CAS freshman I like my cousin-in-law’s lamb tapa with caviar. It is made with lamb and a special sauce. Once it is finished cooking, he adds a bit of lemon juice and tops it with some French caviar. It was my favorite dish. I first tasted it at his wedding, and it stuck with me because it was a great family gathering. And also he learned the recipe while working at a five-star restaurant, so it is very fancy and appetizing. Leon Juhao Li, SPS freshman
My grandpa’s chicken Parmesan is one of the best home cooked meals I have ever had. It begins with a traditional chicken breast, pounded out until thin. Then he coats it with eggs and breadcrumbs and fries it until there is the perfect crunch on the outside. He tops the chicken with strips of fresh mozzarella cheese and puts it in the oven until golden brown. After, he lays a thick layer of tomato sauce on top of the chicken parmesan and sprinkles Parmesan on top of that. It is usually served over a bed of pasta. This dish always reminds me of the great memories I have with him. Jordan Hirn, CAS freshman
My mom makes this dish called Biryani. It’s a rice-based dish with chicken in it. It’s important to me because it is the first proper food I remember eating in this city called Quetta in Pakistan when I was three years old. It also tastes amazing. Farjad T. Malik, Stern freshman
A dish that is very special to me is Borek with leeks. Borek is a traditional Turkish pie of filo pastry filled with cheese, but my family adds leeks to it. We call this dish Ayda Borek after my cousin — whose name is Ayda — because she absolutely adores it. IDil Eryurekli, Tisch freshman
Quotes compiled by YASMIN GULEC, Dining Edit
tor
Be Good or Be Gone: McSorley’s Old Ale House By CAROLINE ZEMSKY Staff Writer McSorley’s Old Ale House, true to its name, is one of the oldest saloons in New York City. As soon as customers walk into the establishment, they time travel to a different time and place. It is suddenly no longer 21st century New York. Located on 15 E. Seventh St., there are no crowds swarming, no ambulances passing, no hurried passesrby. It is instead an old town in late 19th-century Ireland — simple and authentic. Customers love McSorley’s because of its enduring authenticity. Founder John McSorley was an Irish immigrant who came to the United States in 1851 because of the potato famine. Three years later he opened the bar, which was originally named The Old House at Home. John McSorley and his family lived upstairs from the bar, and it stayed in the family, passed down from John to his son Bill. Bill then sold it in 1936 to regular customer Daniel O’Connell, and it was then bought in 1977 by its current owner, O’Con-
nell’s friend Matthew Maher. McSorley’s was known for its slogan “Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies” until 1970. Women were prohibited from entering the bar until 1969, when the establishment was sued and changed its policy. Even when Daniel O’Connell’s daughter, Dorothy O’Connell Kirwarn, owned McSorley’s from 1939 to 1960, she was not allowed in -- something she had promised her father before taking over the business. McSorley’s is brimming with history. During World War II for instance, it served turkey dinners to men going off to war. Once done with their dinners, the men would take the wishbones of their turkeys and place them on a gas lamp right above the bar. When they returned from war, they would return to the bar to retrieve them — there are about 15 wishbones still left on the lamp, presumably belonging to those who never made it back from the war. McSorley’s is also known for its famous patrons. Houdini was said to have visited often, and the
handcuffs he used in his shows are supposedly the same ones hanging in the bar. Other customers include president Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as musicians John Lennon and Woody Guthrie. McSorley’s is also known for its famous patrons. Brendan O’Grady, who got his masters at NYU in 1994, has frequented McSorley’s since his older brother brought him at age 14. He embodies McSorley’s average customer: dedicated and incredibly knowledgeable about the establishment. Similar to its customers, McSorley’s has stayed pretty much true to the original menu: cheese plates with hot mustard, Irish chili and liverwurst are some of the regular dishes offered, in addition to different daily specials. O’Grady’s favorite at McSorley’s is the chicken sandwich, which is also the Tuesday special. The ale, which O’Grady refers to as “liquid bread,” is also a favorite. Teresa has been a bartender at McSorley’s for 23 years.
“We’ve pretty much tried to keep the simplicity about the place,” she said. They have stayed true to the pub’s roots over the years, and its prices are surprisingly low with
Wilkes Booth, McSorley’s is a truly nostalgic establishment. Instead of trying to make it in the big city with expensive drinks, fancy food and a pretentious ambiance, McSorley’s relies on tra-
STAFF PHOTO BY KEVIN JIANG
McSorley’s Old Ale House in the East Village is one of the oldest Irish saloons in New York City, founded in the 19th century. no menu items costing more than $8. The owners want the pub to serve as a little Irish oasis among the hustle and bustle of NYC. Filled with old-timey newspapers, photographs, recipes and even a “wanted” poster for John
dition. The bar serves as a home within a home and after 163 years, it shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. Email Caroline Zemsky at dining@nyunews.com.
10
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
OPINION
EDITED BY THOMAS PRICE OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
EDUCATION
By SAM CHADDHA Guest Editorial
NYU Law Textbooks Should Go Digital
Yes, the books in law school cost a fortune. As if paying more than $60,000 isn’t expensive enough, now we have to fund books that weigh heavily on our budgets. It is not uncommon to find casebooks that are often used in law school retailing over $100, with some even as expensive as $200 or $250. Often, the editions are updated very quickly given the rapid changes in the law, and so using an old edition becomes a headache for the student due to mismatched page numbers for readings. Some professors gleefully mention that students will have to buy the newest edition because of important changes, and so law students try to cut down on beer money to fund textbooks. The complaints due to expen-
sive books die down throughout the semester. Usually seen as a fixed cost or “can’t complain, have to just buy” cost, law students are in a vulnerable position of power when it comes to buying these books. There is also something morally questionable when a professor who is the writer of a casebook forces students to buy his book without providing an e-copy. It’s like I force you to buy something and then benefit from it through royalty payments. And you have no choice because that is the only medium of instruction that has been chosen for you. But then, what’s so wrong about that? Isn’t a professor just like a writer trying to profit from readership? Why is that being a professor actually means one has to provide books for free? Compiling casebooks is actually hard work, as one has
to parse through many cases and research articles and provide extended commentary on them. Also, one has to keep up with the changes in the law and connect them to previous cases that are no longer the legal position. All of this demands that the professor also get his or her pound of flesh for the hard work that has been put in. Also, if students are able to foot the bill for a luxury law education costing $60,000, maybe the issue is with spending an additional $200 on a wealth of information — the esteemed casebook.
All these are strong objections. No student is realistically arguing that we do away completely with casebooks. However, some alternatives can be suggested that are already in place for some subjects, but not for all across the board. For those that can afford the casebook or the used copy off of Amazon, great. But for students who want a soft-copy of the readings, these should be made available at least before every class. This way the student who has over-extended himself to come to law school, perhaps by debt, is not further burdened with more debt by borrowing money to finance books. Some professors have cheaper Kindle editions available, while some have even had subsidized printing — casebooks costing as little as $25 — with a hyperlinked version available for free on-
line. Since most of the cases in American courts can be viewed easily for free online, charging hefty sums for case excerpts can be limited for those wanting the print version of the books. Going digital could help reduce costs for the student and even benefit the environment. But will the established industry of casebook publishers and law professors like this idea? To them, will it reflect a reduction in the slice of an already diminishing pie? It is difficult to give up the comforts of an established market, but if people aren’t going to question the high cost of legal education, then we must question the frills attached to it and make sure those are at least sustainable for students in the long-run. Email Sam Chaddha at opinion@nyunews.com
UNIVERSITY LIFE
Student Senate Should Release Voting Records By EMMA RUDD Deputy Opinion Editor Each month the University Senate — a group consisting of 37 student senators, 21 deans and vice-chancellors, 38 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 29 full-time contract faculty and 12 high-level administrators — meets to discuss and make recommendations on university policy and practice to the president, chancellor and board of trustees. The 37 student
senators are elected onto the Student Senators Council by the student body, yet after being elected, the senators are not allowed to release their voting records per the SSC’s bylaws. This lack of transparency in voting history obstructs the student body’s ability to hold their representatives accountable and make informed criticisms of the SSC’s actions. It is normal in the democratic process for representatives to make their voting
records publicly available, as it is this transparency that holds them accountable. Our government keeps voting records open to the public for just this reason. Many other universities follow our
government’s lead in this regard to promote more informed, transparent discussion of school policy. NYU has clearly fallen behind by failing to make voting records accessible to students. Voting representatives must be held to a higher level of accountability than the average electorate, whom privacy of the ballot helps vote without judgement from peers or superiors. Representatives, on the other hand, must be
transparent about their voting records so that the people who voted for them can know whether they live up to their promises. SSC members should not be allowed to hide behind the anonymity afforded to them by our current system — one that only serves to obfuscate the decision-making process and keep students and faculty in the dark. Email Emma Rudd at opinion@nyunews.com
CULTURE
Social Progress Will Continue Thanks to Rise in Moviegoing By ANDREW HEYING Deputy Opinion Editor
According to a recent BuzzFeed News report, box office sales for 2017 are on track to reach the highest in two decades. This is obviously excellent for the movie industry and the economy as a whole, but this is also excellent news for social progress in the United States. In President Donald Trump’s America — where it can often feel as though society is moving backwards on various social issues — social progress will continue simply thanks to people attending movies. Disney’s live-action production of the classic film “Beauty
and the Beast” recently received backlash in response to the film’s gay character. Many conservative moviegoers refused to take their children to watch the first queer couple in a Disney film. Nevertheless, the film is currently the highest grossing of the year and the twenty-ninth highest grossing film of all time. Despite the controversy, millions of families sat in theaters around the country and finally saw a gay couple onscreen in a Disney film. The film additionally featured the first interracial kiss in a live-action Disney film, which is remarkable considering it is 2017. This feat came just after Moonlight — a fantastic film about a
boy growing up poor, black and gay — won the Oscar for Best Picture of the Year. In a political climate where hate crimes are on the rise and the presidential administration seems hostile to minorities such as LGBTQ Americans and racial minorities, this turn in events is the best hope American society has to continue social progress.
Although many consider diversity in film a merely liberal propaganda, its impact matters immensely. When children see couples such as the aforementioned ones in “Beauty and the Beast,” same-sex and interracial couples are normalized. This is vital to ensuring a more tolerant future. Furthermore, when young gay kids see people they can relate to in big blockbuster films, it makes them feel as though they matter. As a gay man, I would have killed to grow up with gay representation that made me feel less invisible, that made me see a future I could possibly grow up to live. I insteadonly saw young boys who
loved to chase girls and play soccer, making me feel as though my story and my interests did not matter. In Trump’s America, it is easy to feel like minorities do not matter — it is easy to feel as though years of social progress are being thrown out the window. However, an emphasis on diversity in film — along with a rise in moviegoing — will keep the conversation going. It will continue to change hearts and minds when the government seems willing to ignore the most vulnerable Americans. Email Andrew Heying at opinion@nyunews.com
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY THOMAS PRICE OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
CULTURE
STAFF EDITORIAL
People Will Still Walk on Escalators By ADRYAN BARLIA Staff Writer
According to a recent New York Times article, studies found that if everyone stoodon the escalator in pairs, the average riding time would decrease for all riders. Although this sounds counterintuitive, the study said that standing rather than walking on escalators would relieve congestion on escalators by approximately 30 percent. A University of Greenwich study claimed that approximately 75 percent of people stand on escalators, while the remaining 25 percent walk on them. Should a walking lane — which amounts to half of the escalator’s space — be reserved when 75 percent of users would not be using it? The studies raised good points about having people only stand rather than walk, but in all honesty, self-interest will always come first for people — escalator etiquette will never change. These studies are clearly trying
to prove why people should stand on escalators, but if we were truly honest with ourselves, we’d admit that people don’t really care whether their travel method will benefit the greater good of escalator-commuting. When people rush to catch a train or run to arrive at an event on time, the priority is not how much space people waste while running up the escalators. Rather, they worry how they might miss the train if they don’t rush. People will continue to walk and run on escalators no matter how many studies come out, because there is simply no way that in one of the most crowded cities, the MTA will force its millions of daily users to stand next to each another
on escalators during rush hour. Although the study proves that standing is a better choice, the only thing that really matters to people is individual gain. If running lets us reach our destinations faster, then we’re going to run. At the end of the day, we should not act based on what will decrease the average travel time for all commuters but on what will improve our own commute. Regardless of how much we learn about escalator efficiency,New Yorkers and NYU students alike will in no way start thinking about putting other commuters before themselves. In addition, doing so would cause college students to worry about running late to class or events that require taking public transportation and only add to all the other problems college students face. Running up an escalator does in fact make people go faster, despite what the studies claim. Email Adryan Barlia at opinion@nyunews.com
CULTURE
Walk the Wrong Way on Escalators By HENRY COHEN Staff Writer
In the midst of the debate concerning the proper way to use escalators, it is important to consider a third option besides actively walking or remaining stationary: defying them. Walking the reverse direction intended on escalators — the so-called wrong way — is actually superior in many ways to conventional forms of escalator use, as it lends both a practical and a metaphorical function to a device that is otherwise purely a mode of transportation. While it may initially sound silly to walk the wrong way on escalators, it serves as a useful impromptu form of exercise. The United States remains one of the most obese countries in the world, with around 36 percent of the population grossly overweight. Walking the wrong way on escalators can provide a bite-sized and accessible form of cardio in the middle of the day, and it helps busy students work a quick stairmaster session into their schedules. The
SUBMITTING TO
11
time this activity adds to a student’s commute is negligible, especially when compared to the health benefits from this approach. If we are all truly honest with ourselves, every member of the NYU community — even those who are ostensibly in good shape — could benefit from an endorphine boost. In addition to the obvious health benefits of walking up the down escalators and vice versa, there is also a symbolic victory in subverting the intended purpose of these machines. This combats concerns over whether increased automated labor is slowly making the human race obsolete. Robots can write news articles, make art, drive cars or do the millions of other tasks previously reserved for humans, and the escalator is an ever-present reminder that
mankind is quickly becoming the coddled patients of automation. It is a symbol of human obsolescence and carries us from floor to floor and subverts our autonomy by removing the need for us to walk on our own — a skill that is universally considered as one of the first hallmarks of individual independence. But by denying escalators the power to lend convenience and ease to our daily lives, we can subvert in a small way the grip that technology has on our lives, a grip that has been tightening inexorably for years. Though there are voices among us who would throw up their hands and accept the mad congested dash that is our current system of escalator etiquette, we cannot allow ourselves to give in to our basic instincts. By walking the wrong way on escalators, students and faculty can embrace a more healthy, humanist approach to locomotion that benefits everyone. Disclaimer: writer’s opinion is satire.
Improve Cybersecurity at NYU
According to a recent report, a cyber hacker with the pseudonym Rasputin published possible vulnerabilities in various cyber systems from 60 universities, one of those being NYU. In response, an NYU spokesperson said, “My understanding of that particular incident was that it was published that we had vulnerabilities. But we didn’t find any evidence that we had actually been hacked.” However, the NYU administration recently revealed that there are 257 vulnerabilities that still exist. Going forward, NYU must protect its students against cyber attacks and be more transparent about possible threats. Of these 257 vulnerabilities still within the system, 50 percent are medium to high risk. These weaknesses are indicative of the many issues in NYU cybersecurity. The protection and well-being of all students and faculty should be the university’s main priority, and that includes the handling and defense of their private information. Digital security is nearly as important as physical security in the modern era, and it is NYU’s job to treat the matter as such. If there are legitimate concerns about the security of information held by the university, we should expend all resources necessary to ensure the safety of that information. Besides protecting students, the administration must maintain full transparency in its reports about the attacks. Students whose information has been compromised must know they are in danger, and it would be reprehensible for the administration to conceal the facts to save face. Details about cyberattacks do not need to be made public; it is reasonable for the university to conduct their own private investigations into these matters. But students must be made aware of any risks of further hacking so that they can take preventative action. NYU has an obligation to not only alert its students of potential cyber threats but also to take serious measures to ensure that attacks like these do not occur again. Although the Rasputin hacks were not as damaging as they could have been, if the administration does not put proper precautions and countermeasures in place, the repercussions next time may not be so harmless.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at opinion@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Thomas Price (Chair), Emma Rudd (Co-chair), Andrew Heying (Co-chair)
Email Henry Cohen at opinion@nyunews.com
STAFF PHOTO BY POLINA BUCHAK
Send mail to: 75 Third Ave. #SB07, New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
12
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | NYUNEWS.COM
SPORTS
EDITED BY RACHEL RUECKER SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Adrian Spitz: Hitting it Out of the Park By JAKE STEEL Contributing Writer
PHOTO BY TIFFANI TENG
NYU’s 2016 women’s ultimate frisbee team poses for a photo after the championships. Ultimate frisbee is an often overlooked, complex and strategic sport enjoyed by a number of students at NYU.
The Ultimate Guide to Frisbee By NIKA WOODFILL Deputy Sports Editor
On a sweltering, humid day on Randall’s Island in early September I stared at the slender white disc in my hands and thought to myself, “I wish I was playing soccer.” Soccer had always comprised a majority of my identity, ever since my early ball-hogging days in the first grade. But unluckily for me — or perhaps luckily — NYU has no club team. So as I perused Kimmel as a naive freshman Club Fest participant, I eagerly signed up for anything I thought might fill the gap soccer had left. When I stopped at the NYU women’s Ultimate table my knowledge of Ultimate was anything but informed. I had always associated frisbee with Quidditch and the perfectly groomed campus quad — a sort of college pseudo-sport. But I soon discovered that frisbee is entirely its own entity, and very much a sport. As I delved into Ultimate, and the sweltering heat turned into frigid wind, I began to notice the complexity of the sport — all while being extremely aware that I was terrible at it. The concept of Ultimate seems like a simple premise — a football-style game with two end zones, the objective being to move the frisbee to the respective end zone without running it. However, even considering the hundreds of strategic formations, defensive rules and foreign terminology, the simple aspect of throwing the frisbee proved the most difficult for me. Why on earth was throwing a frisbee so challenging? It was and still is incredibly frustrating. For the first two months of my Ultimate experience, every flick I threw fell to the ground
with a disappointing flop, yards away from my target’s outstretched hands. Despite my frustration, I slowly began seeing the appeal of the sport: a concept that is dubbed the “Spirit of the Game,” which according to the Official Rules of Ultimate: 11th Edition, highlights the importance of mutual respect, fairness and competitiveness. This may seem like a cliché concept, or one that is inherently part of participating in sports. Yet I have never experienced a more open and friendly game environment that still maintains such a strong level of competition. The purest example of this phenomenon is the discussion between players surrounding a call. There are no referees or supervisors in Ultimate, which shocked to my soccer-centered self. Players instead rely on discussion and rationale to determine a call. I was at first rather cynical regarding this approach. Many of my experiences with other teams on the soccer field had been friendly but often descended into a series of pushes, trips and badmouthing. But after almost a full school year playing Ultimate, I have not experienced this sort of behavior. In fact, I have often left the field with a sense of camaraderie, not just among the Violet Femmes, but also with the opposing side. This spirit of support and kindness fosters a deep sense of community within Ultimate, and in all my years of athletic involvement, I’ve never felt so uplifted and supported by a team — one that has stood by my horrid throws and constant rookie confusion. Email Nika Woodfill at nwoodfill@nyunews.com.
Starting left fielder and clean-up hitter for NYU baseball, senior Adrian Spitz has made waves since transferring from Northeastern University after his freshman year, the Los Angeles native, prioritizing his academics over playing for the Division I Northeastern baseball team. Spitz joined the newly founded NYU team in 2015 for its inaugural season. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to,” Spitz said about his transfer to NYU. “If I am not in Los Angeles, then I have to be in New York City. I can’t pass up NYU.” Spitz has dazzled during his senior season, posting a .460 batting average, .490 on base percentage and a .714 slugging percentage in 14 games played. For some historical comparison, Babe Ruth’s career numbers with the Yankees was a .349 batting average, .484 on base percentage and .711 slugging percentage. Spitz obviously isn’t the Babe, but he has been dominating Division III like Ruth dominated Major League Baseball. Spitz’ notable performance during the Violets’ spring break trip to Florida earned him a University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week selection, the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III-Metro selection for Player of the Week and a spot on the Division III Team of the Week. Spitz attributes his on-the-diamond success to his mindset and preparation for each game. “Baseball is a mental game,” Spitz said. “It’s about how you battle back and adapt. I try to forget about my previous atbats and treat every at-bat like it’s a new season.” Spitz emphasizes understanding a game’s current situation, thinking like a lead-off hitte — whose job is to reach base and put the team in an advantageous situation to score — and hitting to all sides of the field, which keeps opposing fielders on their toes. He also loves
curveballs. Spitz’ eyes are wide open when a pitcher hangs him a hittable curve. Although Spitz may hit like Babe Ruth, his favorite baseball players are retired Dave Roberts and Jerry Hairston Jr., and current Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner. Spitz prefers scrappy players over stars, such as his beloved Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and his crosstown rival Angels’ Mike Trout. “These are guys that aren’t
players to have been on the roster all three seasons we’ve had a team,” Wells said. “He’s a different type of hitter, at any at-bat he could hit a homerun over our scoreboard, but the next at-bat he may bunt for a hit. He’s been very adaptable, gladly taking any role and excelling at it.” Head Coach Doug Kimbler further praised Spitz. “What do you say about a kid that challenges himself on a daily basis? You say, ‘Think
“
Adrian, in his own quiet way, makes everyone around him better. DOUG KIMBLER
”
big,” Spitz said. “But they are pure hitters known for giving it their all every day.” For someone who loves baseball as much as he does, it is surprising that Spitz neglects watching any baseball unrelated to NYU during the season. Emulating sports superstitions everywhere, Spitz believes that watching professionals play baseball may trick his mind into doing something different that could throw him off his game. Spitz’ routine and mindset have proved fruitful. While playing on an improved NYU baseball team — which has started out its season strong — Spitz has not only led the team with his standout offensive season but also with his leadership and flexibility. Sophomore relief pitcher Eli Edwards certainly thinks so. “I love Adrian Spitz,” Edwards said. “First of all, the kid can rake. He has crazy bat speed and I love his approach at the plate. Coming from Los Angeles as well, we share the same low-key attitude which I appreciate. He is a good guy that I can call a friend.” Junior relief pitcher Matt Wells echoed Edwards’ praise. “I’ve gotten the pleasure of playing with Spitz for three years, [as] he’s one of the ten
of the team first and you will always be a winner,’” Kimbler said. “Adrian, in his own quiet way, makes everyone around him better.” Spitz credits the Violets’ turnaround this season to the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity. He expects NYU to be a contender for the Division III championship. Post-graduation, Spitz seeks a career in entrepreneurship relating to real estate or fashion. Motivated, he wants do it all and not stay in one place for too long. Maybe he’ll start watching baseball again — though he is full of commentary on the league’s activity. While Spitz predicts his Dodgers to win over the Yankees in this season’s World Series, he acknowledged that the Cubs’ title last season was a beautiful thing, but that they will not repeat as World Series champions. As to why Spitz believes the Cubs will not repeat as World Series champions, he shared a personal belief: “[It’s] harder to get the second one than the first,” Spitz said. That’s hard to believe when Spitz steps up to the plate. He just makes it look so easy. Email Jake Steel at sports@nyunews.com.
VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM
Adrian Spitz batting during the NYU baseball team’s spring break tournament in Florida, March 20. Spitz transferred to NYU from Northeastern in 2015, and has earned honors from the University Athletic Association and the Eastern College Athletic Conference among others.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS
EDITED BY RACHEL RUECKER SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
April 3 to April 9
Baseball (12-7) The baseball team participated in a four game series against Case Western Reserve University for the opening of its University Athletic Association. Losing their first two games, the Violets recovered to take their first ever UAA win on Saturday but finished the week on a low note, falling 15-4 on Sunday. The Violets’ solid 13-9 victory on Saturday was bolstered by sophomore first baseman Colman Hendershot, who hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning, inducing a scoring surge for the remainder of the game. The Violets will play Brandeis University this weekend at their home field MCU Park.
Softball (11-9)
The softball team earned mixed results this week, winning a doubleheader against Drew University on Wednesday, splitting its first UAA doubleheader against Case Western Reserve University on Saturday and losing its third doubleheader against CWRU on Sunday. The Violets had a rough start during Wednesday’s first game as Drew scored the first two runs of the game. But the team quickly recovered, thanks to runs by sophomore Diana King and freshman Samantha Sicignano. The Violets took the match 6-2 and earned a 5-3 victory in their second game against Drew. The team earned an impressive 5-1 win in its first season match on Saturday but failed to maintain its momentum in the second game, falling to CWRU 4-3 in a close game. The team’s losing run against CRWU continued on Sunday, as the Violets lost its first game 4-3 and their second game 6-5. The softball squad will be back in action on its home field at Fordham Tuesday against Manhattanville College.
Track and Field
Select runners from the track and field team participated in the College of New Jersey Invitational on Saturday. From the women’s team, freshman Evelyn Nkanga placed third in the triple jump with a distance of 11.40m and the 4x100m relay team — which consists of Nkanga, senior Simone Cooper, sophomore Mimi Conti and sophomore Samantha Scoggins — placed fourth with a time of 50.71.
For the men, three runners placed in the 1,500m, including junior Robert DeSisto who came in fifth with a time of 4:07.25. The Violets will be at the Greyhound Invitational at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, April 15.
Tennis W:(6-3), M:(8-2)
The tennis team had a successful week, with the women’s team defeating SUNY Geneseo 8-1 on Saturday and the men’s team beating the United States Coast Guard Academy 8-1 on Wednesday. The women’s team will play The College of New Jersey on Thursday, April 13 and the men’s team will face Stevens Institute of Technology on Wednesday, April 12.
Golf
The golf teams had a successful weekend with the men’s team tying for fourth with Farmingdale State College in the NYU Spring Invitational and the women’s team coming in second at the Vassar Invitational. The men’s strong 636 (325311) record was led by freshman Jensen Li who shot 155 (74-81) over the weekend. The women’s team second-place finish was encouraged by a notable performance by sophomore Jenni Bluetling who placed fifth with a 156 (78-78) record. The men’s team will compete at the Fred Kravetz Invitational on Friday, April 14, and the women will compete at the Jack Leaman Invitational this upcoming weekend.
Men’s Volleyball (16-9)
The men’s volleyball team earned varying results this week, defeating Endicott College in five sets (19-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-9) on Friday, but it lost to Wentworth Institute of Technology (25-16, 25-21, 25-20) in its last regular season game on Saturday. The team’s victory on Friday came as a result of a boost in the third set, overtaking Endicott’s lead and closing the match with a decisive 15-9 set win. Saturday’s disappointing threeset loss was influenced by Wentworth’s blocking strategy which proved difficult for the Violets to counter. The team will face off against either Stevens Institute of Technology or Nazareth College in the UVC Tournament semifinal on Friday, April 14. Email Nika Woodfill at nwoodfill@nyunews.com.
Honore Collins: Making a Splash By MADDIE HOWARD Staff Writer
LS freshman and swimmer Honore Collins made NYU history in March when she took home the first national title in the program’s history. Collins’ championship performance was in the 200m IM, which she finished with a personal and NYU record-breaking time of 2:00.97. The NYU women’s swimming and diving squad earned eighth place at the national tournament overall. Collins is originally from Evanston, Ill. and attended Evanston Township High School. Before swimming at NYU, she was named an All-American during her freshman, sophomore and junior year seasons. She began her successful career as a young girl looking to get a competitive edge over her older siblings who started swimming before her. “I started swimming at the age of two,” Collins said. “My older siblings started swimming, and
wanted to beat my older sister Madison so badly and then I just never stopped.” After years of hard work and coaching, Collins said when she finally touched the wall during the national tournament it was unlike any thing else. She has received numerous swimming accolades, though nothing can match up to being named a national champion. “I knew that I was winning, but when I looked at the board and it said I got first my entire body felt light, and I do not think I have ever smiled that big,” Collins said. “Then I looked over, and every person who was at the meet from NYU was screaming for me, which made me feel so proud of myself. When I got out of the pool everyone said ‘good job,’ and hugged me, and it made everything that I did worth it, and I am so happy that I was wearing my NYU cap when I won.” The cheers have been resounding ever since Collins’ performance. Freshmen teammates
“
My mom told me that I could either get in the pool and swim or stay with the babysitter. To her surprise, I got in, and I fell in love. HONORE COLLINS
”
my mom was coaching them, so almost my whole family was in the pool, while I had a babysitter, which made me mad. My mom told me that I could either get in the pool and swim or stay with the babysitter. To her surprise, I got in, and I fell in love. The main reason I started swimming so competitively is that I
Email tips@nyunews.com to report stories
WEEKLY SPORTS UPDATE By NIKA WOODFILL Deputy Sports Editor
13
Jaime Robinson and Becky Flaherty were excited after Collins’ big win. “It’s awesome that one of my teammates could win a national title,” Robinson said. “It’s such an accomplishment. As a team, we are all so proud of her.” Robinson also competed in the NCAA championships and
COURTESY OF MADDIE HOWARD
In March, freshman Honore Collins took home the very first national title for NYU swimming. Overall, the NYU women’s swimming and diving team earned 8th place at the national tournament. earned an All-American Honorable Mention for her performance in the 1,650m freestyle. “It was really exciting to see Honore win the 200 IM at the NCAA, because she was having such a great season,” Flaherty said. “I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes us next season, because we’re only getting stronger as a team.” Collins and the rest of the team finish this season with one of their best showings in program history. Collins is hopeful for the years to come and wants to focus on both winning more titles and continuing to enjoy the sport. “I just hope to keep having fun with my team, which won’t be very hard, because everyone on the team is so fun to be around,” Collins said. “I also want to break the national record in the 200 IM.” Collins and the rest of NYU Swimming & Diving will begin their new season in fall 2017. Email Maddie Howard at sports@nyunews.com.
Washington Square News
@nyunews
@nyunews
Interested in working with us? Come to our Sunday pitch meetings
NEWS | 3 P.M. OPINION | 3 P.M. FEATURES | 3:30 P.M. SPORTS | 3:30 P.M. UNDER THE ARCH | 3:30 P.M. ARTS | 4 P.M. PHOTO/MULTIMEDIA | 4:30 P.M.
75 3rd Ave, #SB07
SEARCH NYU NEWS IN THE APP STORE
STAY UP-TO-DATE
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ADVERTISING
Editor-in-Chief DIAMOND NAGA SIU
Sales Manager RHEA NAYAK
Managing Editors SIERRA JACKSON KAITLYN WANG deputy LEXI FAUNCE
Circulation Manager DEVIN PADILLA
Business Manager ALEX HANSON
Creative Director, W Media Group GRACE ROGERS
Creative Directors RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ LAURA SHKOURATOFF
University Sales Manager ALISON RAO
Interactive Director EMILY FONG
Graphic Designer VIKAS NAIR
Copy Chiefs EMILY FAGEL KATHERINE PLATZ deputy FERNANDA NUNES, TÉA KVETENADZE
Sales Representitive ALLISON LAMBDIN
Multimedia VERONICA LIOW photo EUAN PRENTIS, RYAN QUAN multimedia abroad ANNA LETSON video VIOLA MAI Social Media Editors CASSIDY MILLER SOPHIE LEWIS
SENIOR STAFF
news JEMIMA MCEVOY, NATASHA ROY arts HAILEY NUTHALS features TAYLOR ROGERS
DEPUTY STAFF
news SAYER DEVLIN, MIRANDA
LEVINGSTON, HTOO MIN, COCO WANG
sports NIKA WOODFILL film ETHAN SAPIENZA books and theater ALLI PIERSON entertainment NATALIE WHALEN music GILCHRIST GREEN features FAITH GATES dining YASMIN GULEC beauty and style SOPHIE SHAW abroad PARIS MARTINEAU, ALI WEBB photo RENEE YANG video JULIA SALIBA
OPINION PAGE
editor THOMAS PRICE deputy ANDREW HEYING, EMMA RUDD
BLOGS
violet vision MICHAELA HOFFMAN the highlighter JORDAN REYNOLDS under the arch BOURREE HUANG
Sales Associates ELISE BIRKETT, MAKENA MUELLER, BRIAN CHRISTENSEN ZAPLECKI Circulation Assistant APOORVA NORI
ADVISING Director of Operations NANCI HEALY Editorial Adviser RACHEL HOLLIDAY SMITH Editors-at-Large ALEX BAZELEY, GABRIELLA BOWER, ANNE CRUZ, GRACE HALIO, JESSICA MARTINEZ, SHAWN PAIK Senior Editors POLINA BUCHAK, RACHEL RUECKER
About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published in print on Mondays and throughout the week online during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
PHOTO BY RYAN QUAN, DESIGNED BY RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ AND LAURA SHKOURATOFF