NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 7
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014
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Committee to address grad worker conflicts
NYU 2031 still sparks protest on campus
By ANN SCHMIDT
Eight members of the Graduate Student Organizing Committee/United Automobile Workers were elected to be a part of the GSOC/UAW Local 2110 Bargaining Committee on Feb. 5. The nominations opened on Jan. 22 and, according to the notice about nominations, all eligible union supporters were automatically nominated. The nominees who wanted to participate had to submit an acceptance by Jan. 31. When all steps in the process were completed, Pushkar Bharambe, Lily Defriend, Brady Fletcher, Yeshim Iqbal, Aryeh Katz, Jeong Min Kim, Natasha Raheja and Theadora Tolkin became the official members. The group had been waiting to agree on an updated contract with NYU for eight years but had faced opposition to unionization from the administration until last semester. “The possibility that I could
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By KAVISH HARJAI
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SLAM and FASP members meet outside Coles to rally against NYU 2031.
Two large banners reading “RIP Coles 1981-2015” stood in front of the entrance to Coles Sports Center on Feb. 9 as part of a protest led by the Student Labor Action Movement and Faculty Against the Sexton Plan. They protested against the university’s plan to demolish Coles and replace it with a new building, sometimes referred to as the Zipper building, as part of the NYU 2031 expansion plan. According to an interim report released by the Space Priorities Working Group in July 2013, the replacement will include a new athletic facility to better serve NYU Athletics’ needs and a multipurpose site to serve as a shelter for the university and neighboring communities during disaster. Ted Magder, chair of the Space Priorities Working Group and Me-
The protesters claim NYU is burdening its students with debt for the construction, while the university maintains the planned development is less expensive than if NYU were to buy land it does not already own.
N.Y. Fashion Week — Fall/Winter 2014 As NYFW continues, stay tuned to nyunews.com for photos and reviews of over 40 shows.
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NYU rebounds against Case Western By FERENC PUSKAS
The NYU men’s basketball team took sweet revenge over UAA rivals Case Western Reserve University on Feb. 9 at Coles Sports and Recreation Center. Having lost their away match against the Spartans a week earlier, the Violets were hungry for payback and, thanks in part to their defense, they executed their game perfectly. Neither team took complete control during the first half of the game. Led by CAS senior guard Ryan Tana’s nine points, the Violets kept the first half competitive and exciting, resulting in an astonishing nine lead changes in the first half alone. However, thanks to Tana’s leadership and LSP sophomore forward Evan Kupferberg’s eight
points, the Violets held a 37-34 lead heading into halftime. In the second half, the Violets came out strong as they looked to take control of the game. After a mid-range jumper by Kupferberg with 14 minutes left, the Violets extended their lead to seven points, the largest of the game. The team stayed ahead until the sevenminute mark in the half, when the Spartans threatened to take the lead. But the Violets were not going down that easy. The final stretch of the game was a nail-biter, featuring four ties and three lead changes. However, a jumper by Tana with 53 seconds remaining, closed the game for the Violets, improving their record to 15-4. “We knew it was going to be a close battle from the start,”
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LS sophomore Evan Kupferberg plays offense. BASKETBALL continued on PG. 8
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In the Feb. 4, 2014, article titled “Older nurses favored over recent graduates for employment,” the findings from a study were inaccurately represented. Additionally, the teaser on the front page, which read “Study finds fewer jobs for young nurses,” was misleading.
Robbing the Jews in WWII Paris: Places, Traces and Images Scholars will participate in a roundtable discussion on art stolen from Parisian Jews by the Nazis during World War II. The event is at La Maison Française and starts at 7 p.m.
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This week, our snapshots will center around one theme. In light of Valentine’s Day, this week’s theme is love. Check out different interpretations of love in each day’s photo.
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Stern partnership analyzes consumer response to ads By ANJANA SREEDHAR
Researchers at the Stern School of Business have recently partnered with Simplify360, a social business intelligence company that specializes in social media monitoring and analytics. This collaboration allowed for scientific research to analyze how individuals discussed commercials during the Super Bowl via social media. Simplify360 itself has been monitoring content on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook. This research looks into the impact of a team’s performance based on consumer reactions to advertisements, which ads have succeeded or failed and how social media affect the way people discuss brands. Doctoral candidate and researcher Tingting Nian is one of the Stern students working on the research with Simplify360.
“We have been conducting experiments about the Super Bowl to study how to capture brand sentiment through social media conversations,” Nian said. “We’ve tracked a crop of brands that advertised during the Super Bowl across multiple social media channels both before and after this year’s Super Bowl.” Arun Sundararajan, Stern professor of information, operations and management sciences, spearheaded the partnership after meeting with Bhupendra Khanal, Simplify360’s CEO, at a conference. “I met [him] two years ago,” Sundararajan said. “Bhupendra followed up after I came back to Stern … Simplify360 was very enthusiastic about collaborating. I really liked their technology.” Nian is excited about what the findings of this research might yield. “I hope this research could
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Stern students are exploring new uses for social media.
further our understanding of the complex interplay between social media and brand equity, and also advance the text mining and machine learning techniques that we used for this specific marketing problem,” Nian said. Stern students, such as senior Jacqueline Mai who has internship experience in the marketing and social media field, will have the opportunity to get involved with the research. “I think that because using social media as a marketing tool is relatively new, when there’s big events like the Super Bowl it gives companies the opportunity to do research on how they can use it more effectively,” Mai said. “Because it’s so new, people don’t really understand how they can use it effectively yet and whether or not activity on social media leads to an impact in the business sense.” Stern freshman Rohin Shah is also interested in being involved in this type of research. “I definitely think Stern students will, and should, get involved with this project,” Shah said. “It’s a great hands-on and real world application of academic study in the corporate world, and allows an extremely lucrative understanding of consumers and their behaviors.” Anjana Sreedhar is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
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be a part of creating a historic contract that would go a long way to protecting graduate student labor at NYU is something I decided I wanted to do,” said Fletcher, a Cinema Studies doctoral student. Tim Neff, a Steinhardt doctoral student studying Media, Culture and Communication, said he looks forward to the progress the new committee could make. “I’m sure they will work for a contract that benefits all graduate employees and mutually benefits the university by keeping those employees and their families healthy and happy,” Neff said. “This is a unique and historic moment, and I’m sure the committee will do a great job.” The committee’s plans will primarily focus on health care, family-friendly benefits and inequities between employees at the Washington Square NYU campus and the Poly campus in Brooklyn, Fletcher explained. “Our goal is fair compensation for the work that we do, improved and equal working conditions for everyone across campus and ensuring that NYU
is an inclusive employer to its graduate students with families and children,” Fletcher said. Voicing and addressing the concerns will not happen immediately, as the group has not yet scheduled a date for the first meeting with the university. “We still have to ratify our proposals with the membership before we actually go to the table,” said Defriend, a doctoral student in Anthropology. Fletcher said the committee wants the university will be interested in negotiating the issues all graduate employees must face. “We are hoping that the university’s neutral stance during the election in December signals that they are prepared to [negotiate], so we can set new standards as a highly competitive, world class university, and so the union and the university can build a respectful relationship that will facilitate negotiating a great contract,” Fletcher said. Ann Schmidt is a news editor. Email her at aschmidt@nyunews.com.
FASP, SLAM heated over plans to replace Coles with Zipper building
dia, Culture and Communication professor, confirmed that these attributes would be incorporated into the new building. He also said the building will include academic classrooms, which will feature studios for performing arts majors. Magder said the building has not yet been designed and therefore cannot be called the Zipper building. Mark Crispin-Miller, a member of FASP and MCC professor, said the Zipper building would also include faculty apartments, which he deemed unnecessary. “This faculty apartment building is supposed to contain specifically 90 units, but we know of over 90, specifically about 95 in Washington Square Silver Towers alone that have been standing empty for years,” Crispin-Miller said. “So we don’t understand why they want to build a whole separate apartment building.” Crispin-Miller also said only 19.4 percent of the new building will be used for academic space. He did not cite the sources for his information. Magder, citing the interim report, said there will be more space for academic classrooms than what CrispinMiller cited and that there would be no commercial strip but perhaps a spot for coffee or tea. However, members of SLAM and FASP continue to protest. SLAM member and Gallatin sophomore Daniel Lightfoot said it is wrong to tell possible incoming students that the Coles building would still stand when they attend the school. “We are upset because NYU hasn’t been transparent with this process with regards to them wanting to tear
down the gym as a part of the NYU 2031 plan [during] tours for prospective students,” Lightfoot said. Crispin-Miller added that the new building will be extremely expensive, and the cost will be shouldered by students in the form of additional debt. However, Magder said constructing the building would cost $1 billion, while the flyer handed out at the protest said it would be a multi-billion dollar project. He said the building will be on NYU property, thus eliminating the need to spend money on buying property the university does not already own. LS sophomore Mycaeri Atkinson said she was unaware of what NYU’s plans were. “I had no idea,” Atkinson said. “They should definitely tell us what’s going on so that we have a say.” However, all university members are invited to attend the Working Group’s town hall meetings to ask questions and voice concerns. NYU spokesman John Beckman said the construction of the new facility awaits the Working Group’s final report, as there are no legal barriers. “Should that report advocate moving forward with the facility on the Coles site, addressing the needs of Coles users — team athletes and those who go there for fitness and recreation — will be a necessary part of the process moving forward,” Beckman said. Magder said that the report should be published soon. Kavish Harjai is a news editor. Email him at kharjai@nyunews.com.
THE GAZELLE: NYU SH DEVELOPS INTERNAL STRUCTURE, BEGINS TO CONNECT TO GNU
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Newly-appointed GSOC members to revisit employee benefit issues
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Published on TheGazelle.org on Feb. 9, 2014 By SAM BALL NYU Shanghai is entering its second semester of classes. This process, both exciting and frustrating, holds similarities with NYU Abu Dhabi’s initial phase. Recently, the NYUSH administration visited the construction site for the new, permanent campus. The campus is meant to open in the fall 2014 semester, but NYUSH freshmen mentioned rumors of delays. “There’s some situation with the dorms, that the dorms might not be ready by next year,” freshman Cameron Ballard explained. Another freshman, Noel Konagai, noted that he was excited about the possibility of NYUSH having its own facilities and being able to use them as he saw fit, but he added that a large group of students like the current campus. “It’s a more full-on experience of Chinese culture … it’s less artificial than the financial center [location of the new campus],” Konagai said. Outside of the new campus, NYUSH has had to create, just as NYUAD did, an entire set of net-
works and organizations. Last fall, NYUSH established and elected its first student government. Konagai felt that the first semester was dedicated to setting up a constitution and parameters, and brainstorming for future projects. Sports have been another area that has remained a bit improvisational. For example, last semester NYUSH had a mixed-gender basketball team because there were not enough players to field two different teams. Other areas, like the Health Center and the Career Development Center, remain underdeveloped. “Right now our health and wellness service is just a wellness service … it’s a work in progress,” Ballard lamented. He also hoped for more internship opportunities and other similar networks. As part of solidifying the university, NYUSH has been working on its new curriculum. Nonetheless, there were some moments of frustration between the students and university administration. According to Ballard, a group of students are upset about some required core-style courses
that limit their study abroad options. Ballard also remarked that he was initially worried because he was told that the Chinese government had to approve the curriculum. Although this might limit future offerings, so far there have not been negative impacts on the school. NYUSH administration was unavailable to comment on this issue. “The university is experimenting with us, what we can do and what we cannot do,” said Konagai. As NYUSH begins to cement itself, students have begun to think about the connections between NYUSH and the rest of NYU’s global network. NYUAD freshman Pablo Pacareu shared his thoughts on NYUSH. “[It’s the] distant cousin that your family tells you stories about … I don’t feel like there is a connection,” he said. Pacareu thought that an increased number of programs between sites in the global network would help strengthen the ties. Sam Ball is deputy opinion editor at The Gazelle. Email him at sam@thegazelle.org.
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WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? By FRANCESCA CONLIN After releasing three solo albums during high school, Steinhardt sophomore Andrew Weiss came to NYU to continue his love of music as a music composition major. In his freshman year at NYU, Weiss met and collaborated with fellow band members to form the group High Fascination. To date, they have released two albums, the first during the summer of 2013 and the second on Feb. 1, 2014. Weiss commits himself to practicing and arranging throughout most of the day — his dedication and enthusiasm for music are evident even in the items he carries with him daily.
Guitar Weiss proves that a musician is never without his in-
strument. As the lead singer, songwriter and guitar player of High Fascination, Weiss brings his Epiphone EJ-200 with him even though its size is inconvenient. “I need it for my composition lessons and rehearsals with the band, so I spend most days with my guitar,” Weiss said. His guitar is appropriately stored in a black, hardshell Epiphone acoustic guitar case specific to the instrument’s make and model.
pull out my iPhone for the Voice Memos function and record my idea on there,” Weiss said. In addition to his melodic compositions, he enjoys writing lyrics to his songs and there is an app he often uses. “If I have a lyrical idea, I’ll open up the Notes app, write whatever I want, then transfer it to my lyric notebook later when I have the chance,” he said.
iPhone
The lightest yet most plentiful item Weiss carries with him is his manuscript book. The paper inside is printed with staves for musical notations or guitar tablature. Whether he is in a music theory class or training, he needs a manuscript book. The pages inside are marked up with dictations and additional notes taken during class. “I usually have three in my bag at any time,” Weiss said.
Weiss said his phone is essential to his music which is why he always carries it with him. When he notices something that inspires him on the street, he documents it in his phone. He also uses his phone when trying to compose a new piece. “For demo purposes, if I am writing in my dorm room or in my bedroom at home, I usually will just
Manuscript Book
Drumsticks While being a talented guitarist, Weiss also plays piano and drums. He often carries his drumsticks with him and practices in his free time. “Sometimes I carry them around to play drums during rehearsals,” he said. His rehearsals usually take place in his Palladium dorm room or the Kimmel Center for University Life practice rooms. SHAWN PAIK/WSN
Weiss plays his guitar, an item he carries with him every day.
Francesca Conlin is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
Poly student launches staring competition app By LORENA TAMEZ
Barely four months after the release of his popular photography app Perfect Shot, Poly freshman John Meyer is back on the App Store. This time, Meyer has launched an app that integrates the simplest of games with the technological possibilities of iPhones to create Staring Contest. The app is a product of his company TapMedia and is compatible with the iPhone, as well as the iPad and iPod Touch. Staring Contest works by detecting elements on the user’s face and using it to create friendly competition. Using the front camera, two players battle each other in a virtual stare-off. The phone identifies the first player who blinks and proclaims a winner. “It’s really new and there’s nothing else that really does the same thing,” Meyer said. The app also features a high-scores table and chatting capability. Users can expect a new update for Staring Contest soon that will allow them to create an account through Facebook, Twitter or email. The user will be able to import friends from social media accounts to play against or, if the player chooses, challenge a stranger to a stare-off. The word “stranger” might be a stretch, though. The app will use the Facebook or Twitter integration to pair up players that are somehow related. “It’s almost like semi-strangers,” Meyer said. “They’re not completely random people.” In the current version of the app, players cannot see their opponents live. However, Meyer has plans for a more advanced interface. In a future update, Meyer hopes, Staring
Contest will allow users to actually see their opponents as they play, be it a Facebook friend, Twitter follower or stranger. “The next versions are really stepping out of the box and making it a really unique experience,” Meyer said. “We’ve been working really hard in making it sort of a live video chat capability.” Additionally, the app will feature a “distraction store” in which the users will be able to purchase diversions for their opponents, such as smashing eggs and funny noises. CAS sophomore Megan Rafferty said the app’s concept is unusual. “It’s interesting how they took such a basic face-to-face game and translated it to a virtual environment,” she said. Meyer has a wide range of interests when it comes to app development. In addition to launching several successful apps through his company TapMedia, Meyer founded DevFund, a nonprofit organization that encourages software developers to donate money to charity. Meyer is determined to set an example — 20 percent of the profits generated during Staring Contest’s lifetime will go directly to DevFund. With Staring Contest still in its early stages, Meyer is already starting new projects with TapMedia, and an even bigger project expected in May. “It will revolutionize journalism and news in an age of smartphones and tablets,” Meyer said. In the meantime, Meyer will continue to multitask as he works on new projects and prepares for the redesign of one of his earliest apps for the iPad, Real Aquarium HD. Lorena Tamez is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
GET TO KNOW THE STARS: INTRODUCING COMMUTER: GUS CONSTANTELLIS Name: Gus Constantellis Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Year: Tisch senior Dorm: Commuter Act: Stand-up comedy What is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspirations are Julia LouisDreyfus and quarts of chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins. How long have you been performing and what made you interested in performing in the first place? I have been “officially” performing stand up since October 2013, but I feel like I’ve been a storyteller since I was a very young Gus. I was interested in performing stand up because I get very flattered when people tell me I’m funny. What made you decide to participate in the UVL Prelims? I wanted to participate in the UVL prelims
because it’s my last year in college and I thought, “Why not take a crazy chance?” Yes, that’s taken from a Hilary Duff song. What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you were advancing to the finals at Skirball? Damn, I hope I don’t offend anybody. What would winning UVL mean to you? Winning UVL would mean a lot to me because, as a short, Greek man, I feel under-represented in the stand-up comedy scene.
COURTESY OF GUS CONSTANTELLIS
BRITTANY: CARTER SHELTER Name: Carter Gray Shelter Hometown: Byfield, Mass. Year: Steinhardt freshman Dorm: Brittany Residence Hall Act: Singer/songwriter
fell in love with performing when I began writing my own material about four years ago.
What is your biggest inspiration? I’m most inspired by the power that music can have over an individual.
What made you decide to participate in the UVL Prelims? I was looking for any opportunity to perform that I could. Any chance I get to show my music to my peers I take.
How long have you been performing and what made you interested in performing in the first place? I’ve been performing music for five years in an ensemble and as a solo musician for two years. I started acting and learning guitar when I was young, and eventually those two hobbies began to come together in my mind. I especially
What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you were advancing to the finals at Skirball? I found it tough to believe I was one of the best people who had played at the prelims across the school. But at the same time, I was really happy that my music had left that much of an impres-
sion on the judges. What would winning UVL mean to you? It would be a huge reassurance that this is something I could do as a career. It’s hard to stay optimistic in a business that does its best to push you down, and winning something like this would definitely push me forward.
COURTESY OF CARTER SHELTER
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Lovely ways to spend Valentine’s Day
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Enjoy some laughs at a singles comedy show in Brooklyn.
“Philomena” is playing at The Paris Theatre on 58th Street.
Beyoncé’s new album is a perfect soundtrack for friends.
“Same Love” singer Lambert performs in the East Village.
By ILONA TUOMINEN Regardless of relationship status, everyone deserves to have a good time on Valentine’s Day. Whether you are single, in a committed relationship or somewhere in between, New York City offers many entertaining activities to do other than eating conversation hearts and watching “The Notebook.” Treat yourself on Feb. 14 with one of these exciting options.
days, but it can definitely be a time for you to appreciate the people you love and enjoy being around. Amp up the positive energy with “The Rejection Show,” a stand-up comedy show hosted by former “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” blogger Jon Friedman. Bring a friend and spend your night laughing. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. at 622 DeGraw St. in Brooklyn. Tickets cost $12, or $10 if bought in advance.
izing in foreign — although mainly French — and independent films. For the couple looking for a different film experience, The Paris Theatre is for you. Currently, the playhouse is screening the British film “Philomena.” The theater is located at 4 W. 58th St. Tickets cost $14.
your closest friends. Blast music and dance to Beyoncé’s “Flawless” as you lather on homemade facials. Let loose, make yourself look silly and embrace the insanity.
Singles comedy show
French films for the romantics
Valentine’s Day is not exactly the most serious of holi-
The Paris Theatre is a singlescreen movie theater special-
Relax with friends (and Beyoncé) Organize a shameless slumber party with your roommates, floormates or classmates. Cook a meal from scratch as a team and lay out a nice dinner for
Mary Lambert concert For a pricier option, Mary Lambert, the singer of the hit single “She Keeps Me Warm,” will perform at SubCulture in the East Village. The concert kicks off at 10:30 p.m. and is located at 45 Bleecker St. Tickets start at $25, but with $50 VIP tickets you receive front-row seats and a cocktail hour with Lambert.
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Netflix offers instant movie and television options. Low-maintenance day to yourself You don’t have to go out on Valentine’s Day, and there is no need for sappy romantic expectations. Take a break from your busy schedule and turn Feb. 14 into a stress-free day. Rack up the Delivery.com points by ordering in your favorite take-out and finding a movie on Netflix. Read a book for pleasure or get artistic with some serious nail art. Take a breather and love yourself this Valentine’s Day. Ilona Tuominen is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
ULTRA VIOLET LIVE CONTESTANTS SENIOR HOUSE: PULSE Name: Pulse Dance Project Dorm: Senior House Act: Dance Where does the team draw its inspiration from? Her majesty, Beyoncé. What makes Pulse unique? Most of us have been dancing since a very young age, spending our after-school hours in dance studios and our weekends at competitions. We all came to NYU to pursue something other than dance and we have members from each school. Pulse serves as our outlet to keep doing what we love and share our passion for dance with our family, friends and the NYU community. What made Pulse decide to participate in the UVL Prelims?
This year, we have the largest group of graduating seniors that we’ve ever had — nearly one-third of the company. We had always known about UVL, but this felt like the right year to participate. It was the perfect opportunity for our seniors to leave their legacy on both NYU and Pulse Dance Project. And, of course, just like any other performer, we wanted the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience.
to make Pulse what it is today. From the high caliber of our showcases to our dedication to being involved in opportunities
within the NYU community and the rapidly growing number of dancers who come out to audition every semester — each
milestone we have reached together has brought us so much joy and winning UVL would be the cherry on top of the sundae.
What was the first thing that happened when you found out you were advancing to the finals at Skirball? Oh. My. God. OK. So, in terms of lighting and special effects, what can we do? What would winning UVL mean to you as a team? All of us have worked so hard
COURTESY OF PULSE
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NYUNEWS.COM Launch your international career through Peace Corps service
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Follows orders 6 Be a passenger 10 Hop, ___ and a jump 14 Mass destruction 15 Ruler of Dubai 16 Small plateau 17 *“The Sixth Sense” director 20 Actress Ward of “CSI: NY” 21 Recent: Prefix 22 Apportion 23 *1988 Best Play Tony winner inspired by Puccini 27 Kiddie racer 30 Gift upon arriving in Honolulu 31 Bit of cheesecake 34 California’s Santa ___ racetrack 35 Girl in Byron’s “Don Juan” 37 Upstate N.Y. campus 38 TV hookups
39 *Craft knife brand 40 Duck or one of its colors 41 Antlered animal 42 Two-lanes-intoone highway sign 43 “Voilà!” 44 Chicken drumstick 45 ___ nutshell 46 More than enough 47 *2007 Stephen Colbert satirical book 51 Mosey along 53 Holder of sale goods 54 Praise 58 *22nd in a Sue Grafton series 62 “The Time Machine” people 63 Puts on TV 64 Actor Hirsch of “Into the Wild” 65 Philosopher Descartes
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R O S T E E A L E C A X O N I A L L E
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D R O N E E N D L E N T O
66 Information on a boarding pass or stadium ticket 67 ___ numerals (what the initial letters of the answers to the five starred clues all are) DOWN 1 ___ law (electricity principle) 2 Source of misery 3 Diabolical 4 They may be unrolled before meditation 5 Acad. or univ. 6 Button putting everything back to zero 7 Declaration while perspiring 8 Handyman’s inits. 9 Gay Nineties, e.g. 10 Wee 11 Good color for St. Patrick’s Day 12 Golfer Aoki 13 Huff and puff 18 Letter-shaped bolt fastener 19 “The Sopranos” subject 24 Garment under a blouse 25 Best of the best 26 Move, to a real estate agent 27 It helps call a meeting to order 28 “Mon ___” (Jacques Tati film) 29 Dodgers slugger who was the 1988 N.L. M.V.P. 32 In pieces
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42 Old copy machine 52 1/500 of the Indianapolis 500 43 “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” 55 Lively, on scores: 35 Former West Abbr. channel Coast N.F.L.’er 56 Its fight song 46 ___-Pong 36 Heart chart: is “The Mighty Abbr. Bruins” 48 “What’s it all about, ___?” 39 TV’s “warrior 57 TV chef Paula princess” 49 Late critic Roger 59 Cleaning cloth 40 Something to 50 Light wash 60 By way of remember in San Antonio? 51 State forcefully 61 Always, in odes 33 “Wrecking Ball” singer Cyrus
For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.
NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
CHRISTINA’S CORNER
Men must join fight against sexual assault By CHRISTINA COLEBURN
On Feb. 7, The New York Times published an extensive feature about bystander intervention, an innovative tactic to curb sexual violence on college campuses. The theory behind the effort is relatively straightforward — a third party intercedes if a man aggressively pursues an intoxicated woman. The approach to these programs, however, is somewhat revolutionary. Bystander intervention aims to integrate men into the fight against sexual assault, a battle that has so far largely been waged by women through research, campaigns and rape crisis centers. The programs have been adopted on campuses throughout the country. Although the effort to address sexual violence has thus far been dominated by females, movement leaders should extend their outreach to include men. Engaging male students not only expands the network of advocates against assault, but it also introduces young men to a cause that can appear irrelevant to their interests. Society usually directs its messaging
about rape toward women with focuses ranging from drinking habits to caveats about the psychological and physical trauma that violence brings. Until now, this communication has scarcely been conveyed to males. If attempts to prevent sexual assault are to be successful, young men must be made aware that they have a vested concern beyond avoiding prison. Even more detrimental than excluding men from the conversation is adopting a message that can be perceived as alienating. The New York Times piece noted that some men feel targeted by the tone of prevention efforts and are made to feel that they have directly perpetuated the culture surrounding sexual assault. On the contrary, statistics demonstrate that this assertion is far from the truth. According to the article,
about three percent of college men are responsible for 90 to 95 percent of rapes. This figure implies that 97 percent of young men can appreciably be part of the solution. The public does a disservice by suggesting that male voices are invalid or that men have little to gain by participating in the general discourse. Regardless of societal conception, poor communication or misguided doubt, male participation is imperative to successfully combat sexual assault on campuses. While bystander training and interventionist programs may not completely solve the predicament, they reflect a positive advancement. The subjects of rape and gender violence represent a pervasive epidemic that cannot be sufficiently confronted by only half of the population. Society must shift its message to teach young men that preventing sexual assault is not simply a women’s issue — it is a human responsibility. Christina Coleburn is a deputy opinion editor. Christina’s Corner is published every Monday. Email her at ccoleburn@nyunews.com.
HARRY’S TAKE
Investigation of Sri Lanka’s leaders needed By HARRY BROWN
Four years after defeating the Tamil Tigers, the Sri Lankan government and its leader, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, have been enjoying a surge in GDP growth and real incomes in a new era of peace. However, a new report released by the Public Interest Advocacy Center has accused the Sri Lankan security forces of destroying evidence of mass civilian killings and other human rights abuses during the final months of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2008 and 2009. The severe allegations warrant a thorough investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court. The inquiry found sweeping evidence of egregious levels of human rights abuses during the closing stages of the conflict. The report, titled “Island of Impunity?” details abuses by both the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan armed forces, including summary executions, rape and torture. The report concludes that the military “committed the vast majority” of the crimes during this period. If the report is accurate, the crimes under the Rome Statute of the Inter-
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national Criminal Court would be classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report comes at a crucial time for international legal proceedings. The international community has not overlooked Sri Lanka’s failure to hold anyone accountable for Asia’s longest civil war. The United States has already promised to convene a third successive resolution in the UN Rights Council in Geneva to pressure the Sri Lankan government to combat the issue of accountability. However, this alone may not be enough. Rajapaksa’s government has consistently rejected demands for an international inquiry and dismissed accusations as a conspiracy to appease Tamil sympathizers in the West. The Sri Lankan government, run by Rajapaksa and several family
members, has consistently disputed the civilian death toll figures given by independent observers. When asked in November, Basil Rajapaksa, a brother of the president, said he “definitely will object it.” David Cameron, who has been the most vocal of world leaders to denounce Sri Lanka’s human rights record, gave Rajapaksa’s government an ultimatum in November. The government had until March to complete an internal investigation and hold those culpable to bear the full weight of the law. If not, then Cameron would demand swift action by the UN Commission on Human Rights. The Sri Lankan government has failed to launch an investigation, let alone complete one. The latest report should bolster the argument for those calling on an international inquiry. The murderous actions during the civil war should not be forgotten. In a month’s time, it is the duty of the international community to hold those responsible for these appalling acts against justice. Harry Brown is a staff columnist. Harry’s Take is published every Monday. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Country should follow New York’s example in same-sex marriage ruling
This past weekend in New York City, Attorney General Eric Holder announced an extension of federal marriage rights to encompass same-sex couples. The new ruling will apply to federal matters in all states, including those which have banned same-sex marriages. Speaking in New York City, Holder insisted that the Department of Justice would not be “a bystander during this important moment in history,” a fitting approach to what should no longer be a contentious issue. Under the policy change, same-sex couples will be afforded the same visitation rights as their heterosexual counterparts. In federal court cases, same-sex couples will now be covered under the spousal privilege, preventing spouses from being forced to testify against one another. A shortcoming of this federal law is its lack of influence on state laws. Unfortunately, some states are still steadfast in their opposition of same-sex marriage and this move by Holder fails to address that underlying problem for the time being. Implementation of the extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples is not likely to have a substantial effect due to the conflicts between state and federal laws. Samesex marriage is unrecognized in 34 states and, because marriage is almost always handled on the state level, state courts are not bound by Holder’s announcement. Impending conflict between state and federal systems can only be rectified by definitive changes in state laws. The announcement is a stellar show of support from the Obama administration. Finally, the federal government will treat homosexual couples the same under the law as they would heterosexual couples. Holder’s move is another step in implementing repercussions of last summer’s Supreme Court ruling, which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and sparked intense debates regarding how the Obama administration would approach enforcing the decision. Public opinion has shifted drastically in support of samesex marriage in the United States and, if history is any indication, amendments in policy will inevitably follow. The Obama administration’s strides to respond quickly to this growing support shows that same-sex marriage as an issue that mobilizes voters. While the changes in the Department of Justice may not represent an immediate reshaping of the rights of same-sex couples, they are a necessary catalyst for future steps.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor 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.
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NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS
EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Wrestling team takes on Ursinus, McDaniel with mixed results By SEAN BILLINGS
The NYU Wrestling team traveled to Westminster, Md. on Feb. 8 to take on two Centennial Conference foes, 20th-ranked Ursinus College and McDaniel College. Matches began at 11 a.m. with the Violets squaring off against the Ursinus Bears. NYU struggled out of the gate, dropping the first four weight classes to the Bears, before an impressive showing from CAS junior and cocaptain Matt DiGiovanni at the 157 lb. weight class. DiGiovanni pinned his opponent in the second period. CAS juniors Chris Amro and Patrick Sheehan also delivered promising performances for the Violets. Amro won a hard-fought match (6-0) at the 174 lb. weight class and Sheehan,
co-captain of the team, dominated against Ursinus’ Daniel Manganaro at the 184 lb. weigh class with a score of 7-0. However, NYU was unable to claim victory and came up short with a team score of 32-12. In the huddle after the first match, Coach Bruce Haberli informed his wrestlers that he wanted them to focus on wrestling hard for seven minutes, regardless of the outcome. Taking on McDaniel next, the Violets rebounded. The team came out much stronger in the second match by winning matches in seven out of the ten weight classes. CAS junior and co-captain Brandon Jones, who is currently ranked number two in the nation at the 141 lb. weight class, won by a score of 17-9 over Alvontae Drummond of McDaniel. DiGiovanni
VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM
Junior Matt DiGiovanni grabs the head of his opponent at McDaniel.
and CAS freshman John Messinger each performed well by winning their respective matches at the 157 lb. and 165 lb. weight classes. Amro put on an impressive display by techfalling his opponent 15-0. Co-captains Sheehan and CAS senior Dan Brereton also won for the Violets at the 184 lb. and 197 lb. weight classes. Overall, NYU came out on top over McDaniel with a team score of 30-15. “The team had a slow first match. We were not physical enough and we got out hustled in a lot of situations,” Sheehan said. “But we stepped up in the second duel and got in their faces, which changed our momentum and led to our victory.” The Violets’ record is now 8-9 overall and 4-4 in their conference. NYU will compete in the UAA Championship this upcoming weekend at home against Case Western University and the University of Chicago. Wrestling will start at 11 a.m. on Feb. 15 at Coles Sports Center. NYU will square off against the loser between Case Western and Chicago at 12:45 p.m. and then the winner at 2:30 p.m. Sean Billings is a contributing writer. Email him at sports@nyunews.com.
BASKETBALL continued from PG. 1
Men’s, women’s basketball defeat Case Western said LS sophomore Evan Kupferberg, who had a teamhigh 25 points that night. “I thought we had great leadership from our seniors who hit some big shots.” After the game, many of the players attributed the win to the instructions of the coaches. “The coaches had a great game plan for us to follow and I think the team followed it well,” Kupferberg said. “It was a great team win and when we have shooters making big shots it just makes it that much easier for the bigs inside.” The women’s team also took on Case Western at Coles on Sunday afternoon. The team had a much easier time than their male counterparts, defeating the Spartans by a score of 7256. The Violets led by seven at the half and the visitors never threatened to take control of the game. CAS senior forward Alexis Doherty led the Violets
in scoring with 16 points, while SCPS junior point guard Melissa Peng chipped in five assists in a staggering 37 minutes played. Balance was certainly key for the Violets. “I think our team chemistry is what really helps us work well as a whole on the court,” said SCPS freshman guard Amy Harioka regarding the team’s mantra. As of last week, the women’s team was ranked 23rd in Division III women’s basketball. This ranking should rise after two conference victories this week. The women’s team returns to the court this Friday for a home conference matchup against the University of Chicago at 6:00 p.m. The men’s team has the same matchup at 8 p.m., directly after the women’s game. Ferenc Puskas is a staff writer. Email him at sports@nyunews.com.
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