4 CULTURE 9 OPINION Move Over Vine, It’s TikTok Time Interpreting Silence: What NYU’s

6 ARTS Low Title IX Complaints Mean ‘The Good Place’ Walks Through 10 SPORTS The Final Door NYU Students Share Their Favorite Memories Of Kobe

VOLUME LIV | ISSUE 2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Frustration Mounts as NYU Students Cancel Shanghai Study Abroad Plans NYU students who originally planned on studying abroad in Shanghai are changing their plans, but not without complications.

By MINA MOHAMMADI and LISA COCHRAN Deputy News Editor and News Editor

Amid apprehension sur- rounding the coronavirus, NYU students previously expected to study in Shanghai have called off their plans, spurring anxiety over housing and class reassignment. Among changes to address the rapid spread of the corona- virus, including two separate spring class delays, the cancella- tion of spring break, and the en- actment of online classes for all students at NYU Shanghai, stu- dents expressed frustration with uncertainty surrounding their study abroad plans.

TONY WU | WSN CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Shanghai is a popular study abroad destination among NYU students.

Making Space for Religion at Secular NYU

By ALI ZIMMERMAN exams, which can present a difficult balancing act as abstaining from things like sex and gossip, are Staff Writer between academics and the spiritual demands meant to place emphasis spirutual awareness over of the holiday. basic human needs and desires throughout the The end of spring marks Melanie Mohsen’s “I think the hardest thing about Ramadan weeks of observance. But at a secular school like favorite time of year. Beginning on April 23rd, she is having to maintain your own religious values NYU, Ramadan often overlaps with final exams, along with millions of other Muslims around the while being a student,” Mohsen said. “You’re meaning some Muslim students will face the world celebrate Ramadan. During this month, not only staying away from food, but you’re also additional challenges of having stay focused on the CAS senior will fast during daylight hours, trying to get closer to God by reading the Quran studying without food and coffee. And when sur- enjoy special meals with friends and family and more and praying more.” rounded by non-Muslim professors and students pray — sometimes late into the night. But for Ramadan occurs throughout the ninth month during finals season, students observing Rama- ALI ZIMMERMAN | WSN Mohsen and other Muslim students at NYU, of the Islamic calendar, and during this time, many dan often have to grapple with a lack of awareness Goldberg attends an all-women Torah study lesson Wednesday’s at Ramadan can also be one of the most challeng- Muslims will choose to avoid eating and drinking surrounding their religious obligations. Chabad where the group discusses current issues through the lense ing times of the year. It often coincides with final from sunrise until sundown. The practice, as well CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 of Judiasm. 2 Washington Square News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

[email protected] NEWS Edited by LISA COCHRAN and EMILY MASON Frustration Mounts as NYU Students Cancel Shanghai Study Abroad Plans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing University-wide communications, jeopardize his graduation plan. He sent went to the Office of Residential Life fected their attention towards me.” Following the most recent class delay — such as this and the earlier one from Dr. in a cancellation form, rescheduled his and Housing Services, asking to speak In an email to WSN, NYU spokesper- announced on Jan. 28 — students plan- Ciotoli, 2) establishing, as we noted earlier, classes and spoke with the Office of to a housing officer face to face. She was son John Beckman suggested that NYU ning to spend the spring semester at NYU a page with information about the virus, Global Studies. then told she would receive an assignment communicated with study abroad stu- Shanghai said they were given the option and 3) posting public statements.” “They weren’t very helpful honestly,” that same day. dents effectively. to take classes at NYU Shanghai remotely, While the university has communi- Moritz said. “They told me they cannot “I was surprised because if they had this “Many of the roughly 100 students to remain in New York or study at a differ- cation protocol in place for students do anything until the cancellation form power the entire time why were they not from the NY campus who were stated ent global site. who still intend to go to Shanghai, some goes through. In the meantime, I texted doing that before?” Arteaga asked. “My to study in Shanghai started getting in “The United States Centers for Disease students noted a lack of transparency in friends to stay with them for a couple of roommate attempted to do the same thing touch with Global about reassignment Control have now issued a new warning, NYU’s communication surrounding relo- days while waiting for NYU housing.” an hour later and housing said they made given developments in China,” Beckman recommending that travelers avoid all cation to Shanghai for study abroad. In part due to this confusion, a large too many accommodations.” told WSN. “I believe all of the students ‘nonessential’ travel to China,” an email CAS sophomore Adam Moritz, who majority of students intending to study Arteaga fought similarly to be enrolled from the NY campus who were originally sent to prospective NYU Shanghai stu- was set to study at Shanghai for the spring abroad in Shanghai made the decision, like in her previously waitlisted classes. She scheduled to study away in Shanghai were, dents from vice chancellor of NYUSH Jef- semester, was one of these students. Moritz, to remain in New York. credits this to her own determination. as of last week, reassigned, either to NY or frey Lehman read. “In light of that warn- “At first, they did try to downplay the These decisions led to an influx of stu- Unlike Arteaga, CAS sophomore Gary other global sites.” ing, we have explored two alternatives to issue,” Moritz said. “The first email they dents moving back into New York cam- Zhang, felt that NYU housing was timely Regardless, students who were brought on-site classes: online learning and study sent basically compared the virus to the flu pus housing and having to re-register for and responsive. to cancel their study abroad plans in at another NYU campus or site.” and delayed classes. I was annoyed, but was classes, many of which were already filled. “As soon as I went through the process Shanghai are left without the experience It is unclear when the site will re- still planning to go.” Liberal Studies sophomore Edie Arteaga, of coming back to New York, it went pret- and lament the complicated commu- vert back to in-person classes, although Moritz then received an email direct- who was driven to study at Shanghai by ty smooth and quick,” Zhang said. “I start- nication process. President Andrew Hamilton and Vice ed to study abroad students suggesting her interest in the courses offered at the ed looking for housing on the 28th and I “If I were a full-time NYU Shanghai President for Student Health Carlo Ci- that arriving at NYU Shanghai later site, expressed this frustration. sent [housing] an email that I was just go- student, the communication would be otoli addressed this issue in a Jan. 31 would be beneficial and that orientation “I was couch hopping at my friends’ ing to show up on the 31st. They gave me adequate because they have no choice but statement regarding NYU’s response to would be cancelled. places because I had nowhere to go, virtu- an assignment immediately afterwards.” to be at the whim of the Chinese govern- the coronavirus. “I started to get more nervous,” Moritz ally homeless,” Arteaga said. “I was afraid However, Zhang suggested that his ment,” Moritz said. “NYU New York “The university is in constant contact said. “I don’t speak Mandarin, I have nev- I wouldn’t find housing or get my classes. own experience might have been better, as is not in the same position, they should with health authorities and will look to re- er been to China. The idea of no orienta- They were all waitlisted and filled. They his choice to stay in New York was easier have been better prepared to handle sume in-person classes as soon as practica- tion and figuring out on my own did not told me that I had to fill out an application to accommodate and he was very insistent. the situation.” ble and appropriate,” the statement reads. sound appealing.” for housing like everyone else, making no “I did send emails that were pretty “We have also sought to keep the broader That Friday, Moritz decided the possi- accommodations.” threatening to pursue and pressure them,” Email Mina Mohammadi NYU community up-to-date by: 1) send- bility of the cancellation of classes would Arteaga, out of frustration and fear, Zhang said. “That definitely could have af- at [email protected].

Vape Epidemic Possibly Overblown, According to NYU Study

in mice, the real health detriments of vaping remain foggy. Dr. David Abrams, a co-author of the study and Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, lamented the lack of known information about vaping effects but said he generally approves of it as an alternative to cig- arette smoking. “I have treated addictions in the trenches and I know what they look like,” Abrams said. “I, therefore, am talking from experience with dealing with real addicted smokers, people who struggle with alcohol and cocaine and opioids, and I have never seen any- thing that could save their lives as well as vaping could.” The issue of nicotine addiction is one that is close to Abrams’ heart, as both of his parents died from health issues related to smoking. He said this is what drove him to study the is- sue more closely. FDA regulation over e-cigarettes is still not concrete, although last March new guidelines were put into place to ensure better management of e-ciga- rettes and related products as they en- ter the marketplace. As a clinical psychologist studying addiction for many years, Abrams of- AIDAN SINGH | WSN fered his solution for the lack of public Certain vape products such as the Juul appeal to younger users, especially college and high school students. awareness surrounding vaping issues. “It can’t be extreme in either direc- By LISA COCHRAN middle and high school students. The days preceding data collection, accord- is that of those youth who reported us- tion,” Abrams said. “We cannot do News Editor researchers aimed to use this data to ing to Allison M. Glasser, one of the ing vapor products, about half of them prohibition and we cannot say this is look deeper into the habits of young lead researchers on the study. actually only used 5 or fewer days.” nothing. We’ve gotta thread the nee- A recent study by researchers at the smokers. They looked at the frequen- Those who did claim to have used She added that current and former dle to balance the good and the bad NYU School of Global Public Health cy of vaping use and co-use with other tobacco in the last 30 days reported do- tobacco users made up the majority of in a trade off.” suggests that vaping may not be the ep- tobacco products. ing so infrequently. those who claimed they had vaped in idemic it is widely regarded as. The survey measured youth tobacco “We did find that 13.8% of youth re- the last 30 days. Additional reporting by Emily Mason. The study looked at statistics from use by a metric of 30 days. The study ported any vaping in the past 30 days, While a previous study by NYU the 2018 National Youth Tobacco found that approximately 86% of so having used at least one time,” Glass- Langone Medical Center discovered Email Lisa Cochran Survey, which polled over 20,000 youth reported not vaping in the 30 er said. “But the main thing we found that e-cigarette vapors lead to cancer at [email protected]. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Washington Square News | News 3

CRIME LOG Stern Alumnus Sentenced for Insider Trading — With Minimal iPod Stolen From Consequences Faculty Member at Tisch

RACHEL BUIGAS-LOPEZ | WSN CHELSEA LI & CHARLIE DODGE | WSN 2018 Stern graduate Bill Tsai who pleaded guilty to insider trading last year, was charged last week. By CRIME BOT Broadway. Police notification was de- Robot Reporter clined and the case is open and under By EMILY MASON chase raised the company’s stocks’ barred Tsai from further violating investigation. News Editor value from $29.40 to $38, allowing federal securities laws and ordered From Jan. 20 to 31, the NYU De- On Jan. 30 at 2:59 p.m., a student Tsai to turn a profit. him to adhere to his criminal case’s partment of Public Safety received reported missing money in University Stern alumnus Bill Tsai will spend Tsai pleaded guilty to one count forfeiture order. two reports of Harassment, one re- Hall. Police notification was declined 90 days in a community reentry of securities fraud in federal criminal “As alleged in our complaint, Tsai port of Harassment/Larceny, nine and the case is open and under inves- center, be placed under five-year court last November. The average reaped nearly $100,000 in illicit reports of Larceny, five reports of tigation. probation, fined $100 and forfeit sentence for securities and invest- profits by misusing highly confiden- Liquor Law Violation, one report of On Jan. 30 at 3:49 p.m., a staff mem- his illicit earnings, according to ment fraud is four and a half years in tial information entrusted to him,” Sexual Assault — Fondling and two ber reported that personal items were court documents. prison, and Tsai himself faced up to Joseph G. Sansone, Chief of the reports of Simple Assault. missing in Silver Center. Police notifica- Bill Tsai was arrested one year five years. But the judge allowed Tsai SEC Enforcement Division’s Market tion was declined and the case is open after graduating from Stern for ille- to avoid jail in the ultimate ruling. Abuse Unit, said in a press release. Harassment and under investigation. gally earning $100,000 off the stock On Jan. 17, Tsai’s criminal case “Using our enhanced analysis and On Jan. 29 at 11:53 a.m., a student market, using knowledge he acquired concluded with a five-year proba- detection capabilities, the SEC was reported harassment in Washington Liquor Law Violation through his junior analyst position at tion sentence, order to spend 90 days able to act swiftly, exposing Tsai’s Square Park. The case is open and un- On Jan. 23 at 11:30 p.m., an RA re- RBC Capital Markets. Tsai learned in a halfway house, order to forfeit misconduct just months after his il- der investigation. ported underage alcohol possession in of Sirius Capital Group’s plan to buy $125,997, and a $100 fine, accord- legal trading took place.” On Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m., a staff mem- Weinstein Hall. The case is closed and a digital printing company — Elec- ing to court documents. The civil ber reported being harassed in Lipton referred to the Office of Community tronics for Imaging — and bought case filed against him by the Secu- Email Emily Mason Hall. A police report was filed and the Standards. call options in EFI before the pur- rities and Exchange Commission at [email protected]. case is open and under investigation. On Jan. 24 at 11:43 p.m., an RA re- ported underage alcohol possession in Harassment/Larceny Palladium Hall. The case is closed and On Jan. 27 at 7:40 p.m., a student referred to the Office of Community reported harassment and larceny in Standards. Second Street Hall. Police notification On Jan. 25 at 9:40 p.m., an RA re- was declined and the case is open and ported underage alcohol possession under investigation. in Brittany Hall. The case is closed and referred to the Office of Community Larceny Standards. On Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m., a staff mem- On Jan. 30 at 8:50 p.m., an RA re- ber reported a missing coffee maker in ported underage alcohol possession 19 University Place. Police notification in Rubin Hall. The case is closed and was declined and the case is open and referred to the Office of Community under investigation. Standards. On Jan. 25 at 4 p.m., a student re- On Jan. 31 at 12:35 a.m., an RA re- Interested in working for us? ported a missing personal item in ported underage alcohol possession Weinstein Hall. Police notification was in Rubin Hall. The case is closed and declined and the case is open and un- referred to the Office of Community der investigation. Standards. Come to our Sunday pitch meetings. On Jan. 27 at 1:48 p.m., a faculty member reported harassment outside Sexual Assault — Fondling the Meyer Complex. A police report On Jan. 27 at 8 p.m., a student report- was filed and the case is open and un- ed a fondling in Washington Square der investigation. North. A police report was filed and the 1:30 p.m.: News, Opinion, Culture On Jan. 29 at 10:26 a.m., a student case is open and under investigation. reported a missing bike in Palladium 2 p.m.: Arts Hall. Police notification was declined Simple Assault and the case is open and under inves- On Jan. 20 at 9:15 p.m., a student re- 2:30 p.m.: Sports, Under the Arch tigation. ported damages done to his residence On Jan. 29 at 12:37 p.m., a staff hall in Alumni Hall. Police notification 3:30 p.m.: Multimedia, Design member reported missing equipment was declined and the case is open and in Kimmel Center. Police notification under investigation was declined and the case is open and On Jan. 25 at 9:34 p.m., a staff mem- under investigation. ber reported a simple assault in Uni- On Jan. 29 at 2 p.m., a student report- versity Hall. Police notification was de- ed missing personal items in Rogers clined and the case is open and under THIRD NORTH Hall. A police report was filed and the investigation. case is open and under investigation. 75 3rd Ave, North Tower, #SB07 On Jan. 30 at 2:05 p.m., a staff mem- Email Crime Bot ber reported a missing iPod in 725 at [email protected]. 4 Washington Square News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

[email protected] CULTURE Edited by BELLA GIL Explore NYC’s Newest Slime Pop-Up

that weren’t children, and were also just Possibly as a means to counter this as excited about the slime as we were. scary thought, Sloomoo does have multi- As we waited to enter, we were pressed ple hand-wash stations and sanitary baby against a “History of Slime” wall, which wipes scattered throughout the floor to told us that slime isn’t just some recent help ease these lingering ideas. phenomenon. Remember Gak and Silly At the end of the day, the slime really is Putty? Sloomoo proves that slime is just relaxing. It has this quality that brings you their trendier younger sibling. Despite and your companions together over one the giant wall covered in slime greeting common factor you never thought you us when we walked in and the gallons of could bond over: slime. You’re confused slime literally pouring from the walls, the why it’s such a huge trend, but at the same best part of the experience as a whole had time, you’re giving in to just doing noth- to be the DIY station. ing but play with slime. It offers a unity Yeah, yeah, yeah. You can probably of some sort to just enjoy the moment, make it on your own, but unless you’re ignore all responsibilities and act like kids. an expert, it’s not going to come out the “I want to share the magic of slime and way Sloomoo’s slime does. The DIY sta- ASMR,” Karen Robinovitz, one of Sloo- tion allowed me to choose not only the moo’s co-owners, told WSN over email. slime’s texture, but to customize it us- “For adults, it’s a creatively therapeutic ing dozens of colors, scents, which vary stress reliever. For kids, it’s an exploration from “dirt” to “lavender”, and mix-ins as of material and play. Everyone needs joy well. I made “Booloo” slime, which was in their lives which is a huge part of the named by the employees upon entering Sloomoo mission. We will be taking our by replacing the vowels in my name with concept through the country and globally BELLA GIL | WSN double o’s and was lychee-scented and ne- in the future.” Sloomoo is an interactive pop-up exhibit in Soho that is all about slime. on-orangey pink. Sloomoo is open at their Soho loca- Different types of ASMR interactions tion until April 18th and even has adult By BELLA GIL by UV-light and covered ceiling to floor I didn’t really know what to expect are also scattered throughout Sloomoo, “Sip and Slime” with cocktails and “CBD Culture Editor in glowing slime, a DIY-slime bar where when I walked through the doors. It was which allows attendees to put on multi- Events” in the works. you can make your own customized eight a quiet Tuesday evening, and my party ple sets of headphones that have different Though $38 per person is undoubt- It’s squishy, it’s sticky, it ... smells like ounce slime that comes with general ad- along with about three other parties were sounds playing such as whispering, chew- edly expensive, the experience itself is pumpkin pie — or wait, is that Christ- mission, immersive ASMR tunnel and a the only ones there. Aside from some ing and white noise. If ASMR isn’t your original, unique and definitely something mas Tree? No … definitely Fruit Loops. state-of-the-art merch station, Sloomoo parents, we were also the oldest. Since it thing, don’t worry, there’s more slime I’ve never done before. If you’re really in- Actually, it’s slime. Yes, slime, the stuff is different compared to your average In- was a weekday, we got to take advantage time than there is actual ASMR. terested and invested in the slime trend, that went viral all over Instagram back sta-worthy pop up. Starting at $38 for a of each and every interactive station with- Despite the shiny facade with appeal- then go ahead — but make sure you go in 2017. Though we thought we’d seen general admission ticket, giant tubs of dif- out an abundance of children around us, ing interior and slime buckets everywhere, on a quiet evening so you can fully ap- it all, the newly opened Sloomoo Insti- ferent types of slimes such as clear, jelly, which I believe is the perfect way to expe- it’s kind of hard to overlook and not think preciate all the sounds, scents and tac- tute, an “interactive slime and ASMR icee, glossy, snow fizz, cloud creme and rience Sloomoo. about just how many hands have been in tile experiences. experience” located at 475 Broadway in cloud slime are scattered throughout the The employees were easy to spot, clad the same slime bowl the entire day. Soho, is asserting that the slime move- small but expansive space, encouraging in different brightly colored jumpsuits “Just think of all the human oils mixed WSN was given free access to the ment is here to stay — and that it’s attendees to get messy and start playing. that were available for purchase at the into this slime right now,” Liberal Studies Sloomoo Institute slime experience, but not just for kids. The slime is made from various bases of merch station, and were constantly ea- sophomore Pierre-Philippe Falcone told all opinions are the writer’s own. Promoting items like a “sensory play- Elmer’s glue, soap and Borax, and can be ger to answer any questions. They also me as we both stood, arms submerged ground,” which was a tiny room backlit any color or finish desired. seemed pretty excited to see some faces elbow-deep in slime. Email Bella Gil at [email protected].

Move Over Vine, It’s TikTok Time By GABY BALDOVINO Squad, the teen sensations of TikTok As the majority of TikTok users Staff Writer have formed “houses,” one of the most are high school or even middle school notable is the Hype House. Members students, many NYU students still When the popular six-second video of the Hype House, such as Charli have not bought into TikTok’s hype. app, Vine, shut down in 2017, social D’Amelio and Chase “LilHuddy” And this may not be a bad thing be- media fanatics were enraged. How Hudson, have millions of followers. cause while the app is known for were they going to survive without an CAS first-year Savannah Mota is having an algorithm tailored for each endless influx of totally useless, hilari- a TikToker who does not approve of user, it can possibly become addict- ous and sometimes bizarre content? It the Hype House. ing scrolling through an endless feed seemed as if millennials and Gen Zers “The videos I see from the Hype of entertainment. alike would have to rely on 30-minute House seem really played out,” she TikTok’s probable addictive aspect Vine compilations on YouTube until said. “It’s tiring to see people who are is why CAS sophomore Kathrine the day they die. already so rich profiting off of just Serebrianski is not climbing on board The social networking company dancing, especially with such a lack of with the trend. Byte Dance believed they had the diversity. No hate, though!” “I haven’t downloaded TikTok answer when they purchased TikTok In addition to comedy, TikTok because I know it’s addicting, and I (formerly Musical.ly) in 2017 about is also famous for its niche dances. spend so much time on social media 10 months after Vine shut down. The A few popular ones include “Ren- already,” she said. “You can still find app we now know as TikTok was once egade,” “Say So” and “Get Up.” TikToks on Instagram, anyway.” used solely for niche lip-syncing vid- Usually, these dances tend to be a According to a recent Sensor Tow- eos, but three years later, TikTok has combination of specific upper-body er report, TikTok was America’s sec- become an addiction with content movements, such as hitting the ond-most downloaded app in 2019 that appeals to nearly everyone. Com- “woah” and then waving your hands ahead of Facebook, Instagram and edy? Check. Dancing? Check. Oddly in the air like a cowboy, rather than a Snapchat and just behind Disney+. specific, slightly depressing “relatable choreographed dance routine. Unfortunately for the vehement teen” posts that make you feel like Steinhardt first-year Lexi Wolf anti-TikTokers, TikTok’s growing you’re not alone in the world? Check. is also a TikToker who recently hit popularity most likely means that Stern first-year Veronica Sando- 1,000 followers on the app. She the app may soon give YouTube val is one student who recently got said that she does not have a prob- and Snapchat a run for their money. sucked into the TikTok fad. lem with this trending new social Whether you’re trying to be the next “I used to make fun of my friends media platform. Charli D’Amelio or just tired of your for having TikTok, but I got addict- “[The dances are] fun to learn, friends spamming you with TikToks ed over the break,” she said. “I love and you get some exercise out of it 24/7, you probably won’t stop seeing seeing funny TikToks, but the e-boys — I see no downside,” she said. “I people doing the “223” for a while. who just dance kind of freak me out.” don’t post dancing videos, though, ALEXANDRA CHAN | WSN Similar to how YouTube’s elite because I don’t want to make a fool Email Gaby Baldovino at TikTok is a rising social media platform among young people, who use the app to create, formed cliques like Team 10 or Vlog out of myself.” [email protected]. share, and view short videos. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Washington Square News | Culture 5

Cash is Back! Chicky Chicky or Icky Chicky?

By RIA MITTAL Yelp review that called it “better than texture I’ve ever experienced. It was Contributing Writer real chicken fingers.” chewy and gray and somehow also So my roommate and I made the tasted gray. The crust was so hard and Moving to New York as a vegetarian hike to the by CHLOE. right around sharp from being over-fried that it lit- with an array of allergies, by CHLOE. the block from our apartment and erally cut the roof of my mouth. It was was my saving grace. It’s basically a were feeling good about what was to bland and just generally unappealing sanctuary for anyone who’s vegan or come. The menu, as always, was bright to look at or consume. I had to wash vegetarian. They offer a wide range of and vibrant, but the three chicky dish- the taste of it out of my throat with dishes from pancakes and desserts to es stood out with their sparkly gold ginger ale and a chocolate cupcake. pasta and burgers, with student dis- lettering. Since the tenders were the Though my roommate didn’t hate counts and an overall chic ambiance. cheapest of the three, at $6.95, we de- hers as much as I did — she still hated So when they released their line of cided to order those. They came with it, just not as much — it was because three different “Chicky Chicky” veg- a selection of sauces: BBQ, buffalo hers was quite different from mine. an chicken dishes made from crispy sauce or sweet mustard, my roommate Her tempeh filling was softer and defi- tempeh — the Chicky Chicky ten- got the sweet mustard while I got the nitely seasoned better, and her crust ders, the Chicky Chicky Parm Parm buffalo sauce. was also less abrasive. Though it made sandwich (nice “Parks and Recre- In typical overpriced by CHLOE. her experience less unpleasant, it just ation” nod) and the Crispy Chicky fashion, one $7 serving of the Chicky spoke to the irregularity of how this Salad — I had hopes that the chicken Chicky tenders gave us just three mea- dish is prepared. would be just as tasty as their other ger pieces of the chicken in an oversized At the end of the day, I still love by offerings. It’s possible that if you are basket. Still, I was hopeful that the CHLOE. — nothing will ever com- a vegetarian you’ve had a craving for quality would outweigh the quantity. pare to their gluten-free chocolate chicken at least once in your life, so I The tenders looked pretty much chip cookies. However, I am never figured these dishes would help solve like regular chicken tenders, and we putting myself through those Chicky that completely. It was also heavily had been given the classic sauces that Chicky tenders again, and I don’t rec- promoted by the restaurant’s social go with them. The smell of the fried ommend that anyone ever do that to media before its release and was writ- batter was the exact same as freshly themselves either. I can safely say that ten about by major vegetarian food fried chicken and the tempeh seemed after this, I will never crave chicken magazines, like VeganLife and VegOut well seasoned to my roommate. from by CHLOE. again. magazine. What really hyped me up But everything went to hell when for it, though, was my chicken-loving I actually bit into it. The insides Email Ria Mittal roommate’s excitement for it and a were the weirdest and most upsetting at [email protected].

ALEX TRAN | WSN While many small businesses are cash only, all businesses are required to accept cash due to a new NYC law.

By SABRINA CHOUDHARY [safety concerns] versus disenfranchise- Contributing Writer ment. I don’t think there are other solu- tions to that,” he said. New York City lawmakers passed Furthermore, Councilman Ritchie legislation on Thursday, Jan. 23 that re- Torres, the lead supporter of the bill, quires all New York City businesses to told the New York Times, “We are rein- accept cash payments. The City Coun- ing in the excesses of the digital econo- cil approved the ban on the grounds my.” But who’s to say a cashless econo- that it is discriminatory for a shop or my is excessive rather than progressive? restaurant to refuse cash or charge more “In China, people don’t use cash for cash purchases. This means that anymore. We use WeChat or Alipay,” restaurants like Dos Toros Taqueria and CAS sophomore Jiahao Li, who is an by CHLOE., who say ditching cash has international student from China said. increased efficiency at the register and “I think there are both pros and cons management, will once again train their for the new [policy] ... They might have employees to count change. more customers if they only accept ALEX TRAN | WSN Since the bill was passed so recent- credit cards, but if they accept cash it by Chloe is a vegan restaurant featuring a variety of plant-based delicacies reminiscent of traditional meal options. ly and won’t go into effect until nine would be less efficient.” months after Mayor Bill de Blasio signs As reported by the New York Times, it into law, many NYU students haven’t similar bans on cashless establishments heard of the change. While most said have been passed in Philadelphia, San they would continue to pay with cards Francisco and New Jersey. The state rather than switch back to cash, the of Massachusetts has been ahead of the debate over this bill raised many con- curve with a cashless ban since 1978. cerns for them. Other cities aren’t as quick to come to a “There are advantages [to refusing decision. Chicago has been considering cash], but you have to think about the similar legislation since 2017. bigger picture, especially in a place “I feel like the laws should expand like New York,” Global Public Health because New York is not the only place first-year Tracey Ouakoube said. “I where people don’t have access or are didn’t know that existed, and I feel like afraid to open a bank account and don’t it should never have been a thing to have access to easy cash or easy money,” Open House begin with because New York is a very Ouakoube added. diverse place. Someone who’s in a lower As for NYU students, while the socioeconomic status, they don’t have freedom to pay in cash might not — or say, their immigration status — change habits, it will change their out- Saturday, February 8th, they don’t have [the money], or they’re look on the issue. afraid to open up a bank account.” “It’s not gonna affect [how I pay], New York’s Department of Consum- but now I’m gonna ask when I go into 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. er Affairs said in 2019 that one in nine restaurants, ‘Do you accept cash?’ Like, households don’t have a bank account, do a little screening, to see, now that according to the New York Times. The I know certain restaurants are doing Times also reported that cashless busi- this,” Ouakoube said. nesses argue that their methods reduce So next time you’re craving a Dos THIRD NORTH, 75 THIRD AVE., the risk of robbery and mismanage- Toros burrito, you can reach for your ment, but Tisch sophomore Savidu Ge- Apple Wallet — or simply your wallet. NORTH TOWER, #SB07 evaratne thought the advantages come • at too great a cost. Email Sabrina Choudhary NYUNEWS.COM “‘I think there’s other solutions to at [email protected]. 6 Washington Square News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

[email protected] ARTS Edited by KAYLEE DEFREITAS and ETHAN ZACK In ‘Beanpole’ Peacetime is Anything But

By KAYLEE DEFREITAS “Beanpole” delves into how the sim- Arts Editor ple joys of daily life become tainted with anguish after the war. In one particular When war is over, is there ever peace? scene, Masha spins around in a beautiful What happens to those most affected? green dress, laughing as Iya watches on How do they go back to the lives they had with a smile. As the spinning becomes before the war? All these are questions more erratic, the viewer sees Masha be- posed by the film “Beanpole.” come more distraught and overcome “Beanpole,” begins just as the Siege of with emotions. The once happy mo- Leningrad ends and tells the story of Iya ment has now become one of panic and (Viktoria Miroshnichenko), also known unease. These realizations happen one as Beanpole, and Masha (Vasilisa Perely- after another, some more jarring than gina) after a tragic accident brings them others, as these fleeting joyful moments closer together. It follows the pair as they reveal that their lives will never be what search for hope in each other and some- they once were. thing to heal the wounds the war has left The cinematography of this film is mes- behind. The film was featured at the 2019 merizing with its highly saturated greens, Cannes Film Festival and was chosen as reds, and yellows. The attention to color Russia’s entry for the Best International creates a world that feels like a fantasy, Feature category at the Oscars. which sharply contrasts the harsh reali- It is hard to believe that director Kan- ties of the film. This works wonderfully temir Balagov is only 28 years old and as it adds to the almost disjointed nature that this is his second major feature. The of the film and reflects how the charac- depth and understanding he has of the ters are not in tune with their psyches and mental and physical traumas of war is be- seek out ways to find more hopeful lives. yond his years and portrayed on screen in “Beanpole” is an artful look at life af- a beautiful and haunting way. ter war and those who are left most af- The two actresses who lead the film fected. It tries to grapple with the idea are equally enthralling and make the film of peace and if it can ever be achieved genuinely remarkable. Miroshnichenko when the mental and physical tolls have and Perelygina both make their feature been so extensive. It’s an effective story film debut, but the way they so subtly about the profound bond between two emote in the vast silences makes one think women that will stay on your mind long they are seasoned professionals. Their after you watch it. connection is magnetic, and the tension “Beanpole” is playing at Film Fo- they can build with such limited dialogue rum from January 29 until February 11, is thrilling. They each possess an unpre- 2020. The film is in Russian with En- dictable nature that leaves viewers on the glish subtitles. edge of their seats in many scenes, but Email Kaylee DeFreitas KAYLEE DEFREITAS | WSN the power they possess and the trauma The Russian drama is now playing at the Film Forum on Houston St. they’ve endured is never questioned. at [email protected]

‘The Good Place’ Walks Through the Final Door By ETHAN ZACK goes out to dinner with Eleanor and vides one last perfect blend of comedy He tells her to picture a wave. For a TV show a little bit easier. “The Good Arts Editor his friends for the millionth time. The and emotion, as Eleanor’s dispersed time it’s real, but eventually, it crash- Place” is over, but it’s never complete- frog-obsessed Doorman slowly grow- essence returns to Earth, inspiring a es and vanishes. “The wave was just a ly gone. Its essence lives on. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD ing disinterested in all the frog-related random man to deliver a piece of mis- different way for the water to be for The last bow of “The Good Place” gifts as they continue to pile up on his placed mail to the now-human Mi- a little while,” he explains. “The wave stands as one of the most well-done I was just five minutes into the se- desk. It tries to show that yes, all good chael, setting him up with the perfect returns to the ocean, where it came series finales I’ve ever seen. It’s an ries finale of “The Good Place” when things must come to end, because moment to deliver his long-desired from, where it’s supposed to be.” effective microcosm of the show, full I started crying. if they didn’t, they wouldn’t mean one-liner: “Take it sleazy.” Even if the show is over, it’ll live of clever jokes, deep philosophical When the penultimate episode of anything anymore. Endings are hard, even if they are on in the future creative endeav- discussions and an endless supply of the show closed with the characters It’s a thoughtful meditation on the justified. To see “The Good Place” ors of the creators, writers and cast. heart. With one final poignant mes- getting their long-sought-after happy existence of the series itself. If “The reach its own stopping point makes New projects will inevitably impact sage, the wave returns to the ocean. ending in the show’s titular paradise Good Place” were to go on forever, it me sad, but there’s a standout piece and entertain audiences in ways they What an amazing wave it was. realm, I knew that whatever came would inevitably start repeating itself. of dialogue in the form of one last might have never thought possible. next was going to hurt. The second- The originality and creativity would nugget of philosophical wisdom from It’s an exciting thought and it makes Email Ethan Zack to-last chapter solved the final prob- start to dissipate. The writers of the Chidi to Eleanor that comforts me. dealing with the end of such a strong at [email protected]. lem of how to give eternity meaning: show, who chose to end the show on by giving people who have had their their own terms four brief seasons fill of forever in the Good Place an in, have accomplished everything option to cross through a doorway that they wanted to. They know it’s and peacefully conclude their own their time to end. existence in the universe. The finale, Of course, just because goodbyes ominously titled “Whenever You’re are necessary, it doesn’t make them Ready,” was clearly going to involve any less emotional. Each of the fare- the door and at least one person well sequences for the characters choosing to cross through. are difficult to watch in their own Set in multiple time skips span- right, but there’s something about ning the next bit of forever, the finale Jason’s final story beats that are par- chronicles the far-flung future mo- ticularly gut-wrenching. To see the ments in time when each of the four lovably dimwitted source of comic main humans finally reach a state of relief quietly realize he’s done every- complete peace and decide it’s their thing he ever wanted to and is finally time to cross through the doorway. ready to cease his own existence hits It’s as emotional as you would expect, extremely hard. but the episode manages to produce Thankfully, “The Good Place” a beautifully layered commentary on doesn’t shed its comedic roots in its why endings are necessary. final hour, with entertaining charac- The finale deftly plays with ter interactions and snappy dialogue the theme of fatigue. Chidi’s ev- to add some levity between each fit JAKE CAPRIOTTI | WSN er-so-slightly weary dialogue as he of tears. In its final moments, it pro- The Emmy-nominated comedy aired its series finale on January 30. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Washington Square News | Arts 7

Molly Nilsson Mystifies Market Hotel

By NICOLAS PEDRERO-SETZER the field and the DIY quality of her sound Music Editor make for an empowering set. For an instant, the world’s qualms seem to fade away, this Somewhere in Brooklyn, a square room lit tiny venue in Bushwick begins encapsulat- by a single disco ball hosts around 300 indi- ing existence and everyone gazes at Nilsson viduals as they gather to listen to the mystical as she hypnotizes members of a generation synth-pop of Swedish singer Molly Nilsson. generally governed by cynicism with her air The night is young at the Market Hotel, and of supreme positivity. if it weren’t for the J train visibly running Lacking a band behind her back, Molly by every so often, you would think time had Nilsson leads her lonesome performance come to a halt. with grace and bravado. Reveling in the fact Before Nilsson takes command of the that she is entirely in control of the room, room, a synthesizer-driven duo by the name she begins dancing despite her evident lack of BDX graces the stage. Dressed in vampir- of skill; generating a sense of acceptance ic punk garments, BDX livens the venue by from anyone who might have been too afraid delivering a strange blend of electronica and or embarrassed to dance otherwise. By the punk that strangely works. It’s a testament end of the night, everyone is moving in an to the lead singer’s crazy antics: his abili- equally awkward manner while Nilsson ty to thrash around, jump and scream into delivers a four-song encore that comes to a the microphone, as if there was no tomor- conclusion with what Nilsson has dubbed row, yesterday was gone and only the pres- her favorite song ever: “1995.” It’s a song ent mattered. Kicking and screaming, BDX about delighting in nostalgia, expressing the works through a wide array of songs before entirety of time in the present and having performing “The BDX Theme Song” and a fun — emotions that are perfectly trans- couple of new releases as their encore. And mitted by Nilsson’s elegant vocality and in- that’s that; BDX bows before the crowd of fectious charisma. Brooklynites and packs their gear to pave Cultivating her performance in anticipa- the way for Nilsson and the awkward glory tion of the forthcoming release of her new of her dancing. album and accompanying tour scheduled Secretly weaving through the crowd and for October, Nilsson proves she’s still got onto the stage at the other side of the ven- it despite not having released an album in ue, Nilsson rapidly takes command of the two years. Sporting a smile into the future room by dancing a la Audrey Horne all the and delighting in the present, Nilsson’s re- while singing to the beat of her own com- cent performance at the Market Hotel con- puter. Pulling most of the set from her most firms the beauty of the timelessness of her recent album, “2020,” Nilsson delivers a ju- sonic ingenuity and how it has managed to bilant performance interspersed with words keep her successful in the modern indepen- of wisdom drawing from her experience dent music scene. as a solo female artist working in the field of music. The constant back and forth be- Email Nicolas Pedro-Setzer NICOLAS PEDRERO-SETZER | WSN tween her tales of bootstrap growth within at [email protected] Swedish singer Molly Nilsson captivates Brooklyn audience with synth-driven solo performance.

A Forgotten Spirit Haunts Audiences in ‘A Pink Chair (In Place of a Fake Antique)’

By SASHA COHEN than memorialize Kantor. There was was deceased yet able to watch his Books & Theater Editor no story aside from the message of imagined world come to life again. remembering the dead, making this The rest of the company only com- The Skirball Center transformed more of a tribute than a legitimate plimented the disquieted ambiance into a theatrical time capsule for theatrical production. with their evocative singing, move- The Wooster Group’s “A Pink Chair One dynamic aspect of this ment and dialogue. (In Place of a Fake Antique).” Run- show was its ability to overwhelm Discussing the idea of “duch,” or ning from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, the per- the audience with sound and the forgotten spirits, the show argued formance recollected Tadeusz Kan- multi-purpose set. The production that other art forms like painting or tor, a 20th century Polish director, featured live singing and a violin film are remembered forever, but and his play “I Shall Never Return.” combined with musical recordings theater productions simply disap- While there was almost no plot, The in an attempt to evoke sadness. pear after the final curtain, left only Wooster Group succeeded in illus- While the music set a somber tone, to be archived by people’s memories. trating what it means for an artist to all of the different sounds felt ex- Even though Kantor passed, frag- be forgotten and eventually reborn tremely overwhelming. Not know- ments of rehearsal footage, writings through remembrance. ing who or what to listen to, the and individuals’ memory allowed his Upon entering the auditorium, dialogue was difficult to hear which legacy to live on and were revived by the gothic stage had an industrial inhibited comprehension. Never- this production. Kantor’s director feel with metal tables, contrasting theless, nothing enchanted the au- chair symbolized the great theater lights and shadows that produced dience more than the show’s final he created in it and his imprint on a gray effect, a candelabrum and sequence. As the TV and platforms society; although he was not alive to a sewing mannequin scattered the magically transformed into a ship, sit in the seat for this performance, stage. When the lights dimmed, a the theater filled with sounds of his spirit lives on through audi- TV played an introductory video in crashing waves and the ensemble’s ences — a sentiment that is unde- which Kantor, played by actor Zbig- disturbing, hushed singing. When niably beautiful. niew “Z” Bzymek, read his mani- the final note rang out, the entire While “A Pink Chair (In Place of festo. A voice-over simultaneously stage went black, leaving the audi- a Fake Antique)” is not traditional played a recording of the manifesto ence in a haunting, but resonant by any means, a greater presence of to create an echoing effect. Imme- silence. This dramatic moment was conflict would have grounded the diately after, another video, “I Shall a poignant part of the production show more. However, the overall Never Return,” introduced the film because it forced audiences to think message about revitalizing forgot- motif of viewing. For the rest of the about what they had just witnessed. ten works or people was applicable show, clips from Kantor’s work were Bzymek’s performance was un- to our rapidly changing world and reenacted alongside the actual re- settling, but remained engaging for reminded the audience to value past hearsal footage. Typically, this syn- the 70-minute show. His acting felt artists and their contributions; they chronization is difficult to achieve, distant from the other actors, just may not actively cross our minds, but with Elizabeth LeCompte’s di- how Kantor would have remained but they undoubtedly contributed rection, the entire company made physically removed from his per- to modern theater today.

SASHA COHEN | WSN the combinations seem effortless. formers as a director. Everything A playbill for The Wooster Group’s current performance at Skirball, a cross-media pro- This artistic decision was inventive, — from his posture to lifeless coun- Email Sasha Cohen duction that asks what it means for an artist to be forgotten. but unfortunately did nothing more tenance — demonstrated that he at [email protected]. 8 Washington Square News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

[email protected] OPINION Edited by JUN SUNG

HEALTHCARE The Coronavirus and Its Online Frenzy

ing a mask, they weren’t touching the others die daily in China and other Last week, a special committee set attitudes on the coronavirus must be poles. And if they weren’t touching the affected areas. up by the World Health Organization changed and take into consideration poles, they were like me, looking for face At this time, 17,384 people have decided not to declare the outbreak a the actions being taken by global health masks everywhere online. been infected worldwide and at least global health emergency. The WHO organizations. In the same vein, indi- Unfortunately, everywhere was sold 362 people have died in total. In the committee is dealing with a difficult viduals must wait for more evidence out. Not one pharmacy in New York United States, five cases of the Wuhan decision, as it faces a global health crisis to seriously understand the effects of City had extra stockpiles of these masks. coronavirus have been reported, rais- with insufficient evidence. More must the Wuhan strain. This is especially im- It almost seemed as if New York City ing concerns about a potential global be learned on how the virus differs from portant considering the large amounts was panicking at this global outbreak, pandemic. We’ve seen this story before previous strains of the coronavirus. of misinformation on social media By KENZO KIMURA and large-scale health measures had al- during the 2003 SARS outbreak, as Moreover, these statistics show that as surrounding the coronavirus. These Staff Writer ready taken place. health authorities try to walk the thin more data becomes available, surveil- lies include wrong health advice and However, it is the exact opposite in line between outbreak preparation and lance and quarantine can be effective misinformation regarding the origins On my way back to Astor Place the various forums on the internet. With excessive alarm when working with measures to combat the strain. In a time of the outbreak. The spread of wrong other night, I realized something differ- memes of the coronavirus on every threadbare data. The spread of mis- when information is limited, health information only has the ability to hurt ent on the 6 train: masks. It seemed as if social platform, few seem to be taking information is a serious danger when organizations have to be careful not to public health initiatives. every other subway rider wore a white the situation seriously. But why? The considering what domestic and global deal in fear-mongering. surgical mask and stayed alert of their urgency of the outbreak necessitates health organizations must do to count- Both the public and individuals in Email Kenzo Kimura surroundings. If they weren’t wear- a serious reaction. While people joke, er the outbreak. online circles must not panic. Rather, at [email protected].

RACE Don’t Be Racist About the Health Crisis

about their health without being racist. bat soup was actually filmed three years per headlined their coronavirus report ple trying to protect themselves by wear- The people who deserve the most ago in Palau, not Wuhan. Many Western as “New Yellow Peril?” reminding many ing masks. Many East Asians have been empathy are those directly affected in tourists have also partaken in the deli- of the racist ideology that faced the first wearing masks as preventative measures Wuhan. The virus’ spread coincided cacy while traveling in Palau, yet only Chinese immigrants. The ugly xeno- since the SARS epidemic to limit the with the Lunar New Year, arguably the Chinese people are pointed at to blame. phobia hurts and has real consequences: spread of germs. A person does not have biggest holiday celebrated in China. The Others have looked toward a wildlife a man died in Sydney’s Chinatown be- to be sick to wear a mask. holiday is supposed to be a time for fam- market that sold live wolves, salaman- cause no one would touch him after he Be smart about being safe. Stop ily, festivities and food; but instead of ders, snakes and more to be the source collapsed in public. grasping at straws and face the reality in celebrating, residents are quarantined, of the outbreak, yet that remains un- An Instagram story filter presumably front of us. Wear surgical masks. Wash By ALEXANDRA CHAN face a shortage of surgical masks and proven. What do people gain from say- scans your face to tell if you’re infected. your hands frequently. Remember that Deputy Photo Editor increasingly worry that they will not see ing people in Wuhan deserve the coro- A TikTok user in Canada decided to up- viruses stay active on metal surfaces. Do- their loved ones again. navirus for their eating habits? When load a video spreading a false claim that nate to hospitals. Listen to your doctor. News of the novel coronavirus has Without a definitive answer to how the U.S. had an E.coli outbreak from his classmate was infected by the coro- Though the physical consequences of spread quickly, and as a result, also led to the virus originated, speculation has Romaine lettuce, or the spread of mad navirus. Another pulled a stunt to test the coronavirus are currently incurable, the promotion of racist and xenophobic run wild. People have blamed bats and cow disease, the eating habits of Amer- how fast he could go viral, dropping red everyone can do better to counter man- reactions. Fear of the spread of the virus Chinese people for eating the afore- icans were not portrayed as the source liquid on napkins, claiming one sample made social and mental harms. is understandable, but this crisis does mentioned animal dish, but bats are not of the problem. was infected blood. Instagram influenc- not serve as an excuse for vile hatred. In linked to the coronavirus. The widely Chinese people around the world re- ers tag posts with #coronavirus, posing Email Alexandra Chan the face of the coronavirus epidemic, circulated video shared by The Daily port increasing incidents of harassment while wearing masks to gain traction. at [email protected]. people can stay safe and be conscientious Mail of a Chinese travel blogger eating and discrimination. A French newspa- Many misunderstand the actions of peo-

EDUCATION NYU Exploits Academia’s Permanent Underclass

tenured professor, Margaret Mary worked Hiring adjuncts instead of tenure-track cultural Implement Workers of America members were extended loans at extremely on a contract basis from semester to semes- professors is great for the university’s pock- Local 7902 — a union comprised of adjunct favorable terms for vacation homes in the ter, with no job security, no benefits and etbook, but for its employees, it’s unequiv- professors from NYU and the New School Hamptons and on Fire Island. Departing with a salary of between $3000 and just over ocally inhumane. NYU has cleverly hidden — negotiated and made proposals to the university president John Sexton was given $3500 per three-credit course.” part of its army of adjuncts through Liberal NYU administration to address their various a $1 million loan for a beach house. Presi- The casualization of work is a nationwide Studies — a money-saving program that ex- grievances, such as wage discrepancies across dent Andrew Hamilton, in addition to his phenomenon. In the world of academia, ploits and disrespects its professors. Similar different departments, health benefits and astronomical $1.8 million salary and annual this manifests in dwindling tenure-track to Vojtko, a portion of Liberal Studies pro- more contributions for annuity retirement $250,000 performance bonus, renovated a positions. According to the American Asso- fessors are hired semester-to-semester on a plans. The union held a vote in 2017 and 4,200-square-foot penthouse duplex with By EMILY DAI ciation of University Professors, 73% of in- contractual basis. None of these professors found a large majority of the union’s 2,500 four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms Deputy Opinion Editor structional positions are off the tenure track. are eligible for tenure. 43% have been forced members were in favor of a strike against the and an expansive rooftop terrace, totaling at These positions are insecure and offer few to take up another job in order to supple- university. However, according to the col- least $1.1 million in costs. In 2013, Margaret Mary Vojtko, an ad- protections for academic freedom. Notably, ment their salaries. Male, full-time LS pro- lective bargaining agreement between NYU Instead of utilizing its affluence to low- junct French professor at Duquesne Uni- these positions do not pay well. More than fessors make little more than two-fifths the and ACT-UAW that will be effective until er tuition, combat its reputation of less versity, died from a heart attack at 83 years half of all adjunct professors have an income salary of tenure-eligible professors. Go to the 2022, the Union has agreed to prohibit any than generous aid packages or increase old after being laid off when the university of less than $35,000. Liberal Studies department at 726 Broadway member from sanctioning, instigating or the quality-of-life for its adjunct faculty, refused to extend her contract without Universities know exactly how cruel and you will see lines of cubicles — NYU participating in any strike, sympathy strike, NYU has opted time and time again to any severance or retirement benefits. The this permanent underemployment can has neglected to give semester-to-semester sit-down, slow-down or stoppage of work. further enrich those who run the institu- professor was living nearly homeless. The be. Despite keeping funding for teaching professors their own offices. Heavy reliance NYU has refused to meet any of the tion. Considering the abundance of wealth chemotherapy treatment she was receiving relatively flat, the number of administra- on adjuncts is bad for university students — adjuncts’ demands, despite NYU’s total NYU sits on and the commitment adjunct for ovarian cancer rendered her unable to tor positions grew by 60% between 1993 professors who are burdened with the lack combined endowment being $4.3 billion. professors have to academia — though ad- pay for heating. To escape the cold, she slept and 2009 — 10 times the rate at which of job security and must work multiple jobs On top of that, full-time students living juncts here are arguably treated better than in her office until she was forcibly removed universities added tenured positions. This to make ends meet simply cannot devote the on campus pay approximately a whopping Vojtko was — the university has no excuse after the university discovered her. After her penny-pinching logic applied to university same time and attention to their students $76,612 a year in tuition and fees. Addi- when it comes to paying these academics death, Vojtko’s lawyer published an op-ed professors seemingly doesn’t apply to ad- like their tenure-eligible counterparts. tionally, NYU is known for spending lav- their fair share. about her called “Death of an Adjunct,” ministrators — their salaries increased by Previously, The International Union, ishly for other higher-up administrators. In where he describes how “unlike a well-paid 50% between 1998 and 2003. United Automobile, Aerospace and Agri- 2013, top NYU administrators and faculty Email Emily Dai at [email protected]. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Washington Square News | Opinion 9

HEALTHCARE Don’t Fixate on Calories

ness centers boasting how many calories participants can burn by taking part in classes and food products proclaiming the amount of calories each serving contains in large print on the front of the package. There hasn’t been a day so far this semester where I haven’t heard calories being discussed in some way at the dining halls I regularly eat at. By HELEN WAJDA Plus, the internet is full with calcu- Deputy Opinion Editor lators designed to tell you how many STAFF EDITORIAL calories your body burns a day, and In between classes yesterday, I searching “how many calories should grabbed a granola bar to hold me over I eat” yields thousands of articles and until my next meal. I usually try to avoid charts, including one from the FDA scrutinizing nutrition labels too closely, which offers ranges based on sex, gen- but this time something at the bottom eral activity level and age. Calories are Interpreting Silence: caught my eye: a declaration that the a major fixation in many restaurants, daily values on the label were based on too, thanks to a recent regulation that a 2,000 calorie diet. This wasn’t news requires chains to display calorie counts What NYU’s Low Title IX to me; 2,000 calories has been declared on menus. Some establishments — like the general guiding number for daily Subway and Chick-Fil-A — take this a caloric consumption by the United step further by labeling certain entrees States Food and Drug Administration with a green checkmark or deeming Complaints Mean and numerous media sources for years. them fit choices based on how many I’ve also been advised to consume far calories they provide. On Jan. 27, the New York State Education investigation and the latter found to have en- less than 2,000 calories by several online But calories only provide a small Department released its data report on Title IX gaged in “unacceptable remarkes containing of- calorie calculators and wellness blogs, glimpse into a food’s nutritional make- complaints from college campuses across the fensive language” by an independent law firm. as well as encountered innumerable ar- up, as calorie calculations can’t take state. It is a result of the “Enough is Enough” Both the Ronell and Steinhardt cases pose ticles offering tips for how to cut out into account the consumer’s unique law passed in the state legislature, which was two important questions: what has the uni- what they deemed to be unnecessary digestive process and energy needs. Cal- meant to create a set of procedures and guide- versity done to reduce sexual assaults, and calories. This generalization of energy ories are just numbers, and as such, they lines that support victims of sexual assault, do- what is the university currently doing to re- needs and fixation on calculating calo- don’t take into account the nutritional mestic violence, dating violence and stalking. solve the issue? ries has permeated my life, but it over- benefits of foods — we can’t tell how NYU was included in the report, but the results In the past, the university has made small looks the complexities of the human much protein, fat or carbohydrates a show the problematic nature of the universi- efforts against sexual harassment in response body and encourages people to focus food provides, how much of these nu- ty’s safety nets. to the “Enough is Enough” legislation, such as on numbers that are nearly impossible trients our bodies need, and how ener- NYU reportedly only had 173 cases out of adopting a student’s Bill of Rights, conduct- to calculate accurately. gy will be used in the body simply by its 50,000 students. The low statistic reflects ing campus climate surveys every other year, The human body digests and absorbs looking at calories. For these reasons, the fact that NYU suffers from a severe un- adjusting the university’s definition of affir- calories from foods in different ways. we shouldn’t look to calories as the de- derreporting issue caused by a rift of distrust mative consent and reporting Title IX com- The amount of calories that an indi- terminers of a food’s value nor should between the student body and the university. plaints. But, it has become clear that these are vidual absorbs from any given food de- we obsess over trying to figure out how It also shows that the safeguards the “Enough not enough to protect victims. Clear channels pends on a host of variables: the type of many we are consuming and burning. is Enough” legislation is supposed to provide of communication and a better understanding food, how the food was cooked, wheth- Not only that, but counting calo- aren’t effective without more proper support of the needs of the student body are necessary er the specific food has adapted to sur- ries has been linked to significant stress programs from NYU. for the university to do more for victims. vive digestion over time, and the unique and anxiety and, of course, disordered A survey conducted last year from the Asso- Last week, Under the Arch, WSN’s maga- bacterial makeup of the consumer’s gut. eating habits. Psychologist Breese An- ciation of American Universities found that a zine, published three video diaries detailing the A recent study by the US Department nable recently stated that obsessing quarter of undergraduate women have been sex- stories of survivors of sexual assault. These in- of Agriculture estimates that certain over calories can disconnect you from ually assaulted. In comparison to this number, dividual accounts reflect the failures of NYU’s foods may require more energy to digest your body’s natural hunger cues and it becomes clear that NYU’s complaint data is anti-harassment initiatives while further show- than others, resulting in fewer calories cravings as well as cause food fixation suspiciously low. ing the constantly-widening rift between the absorbed than what labels state. Anoth- and anxiety. While eating disorders are It is important to note, though, that in the student body and the university. While they er recent study found that eating raw extremely complex and multifaceted, data report, all the included universities have are representative of the many instances of ha- potatoes resulted in different weight my own battle with anorexia nervosa low complaint numbers, showing the underre- rassment that go unreported at NYU, they also outcomes in mice than eating the same started when I downloaded a “health” porting issues aren’t unique to NYU. Rather, show that any legislation on the state level must quantity of cooked potatoes, which app and resolved to consume the dan- they’re systemic problems connected to all uni- be supported by university efforts as well. suggests that energy absorption does gerously low calorie allowance it rec- versities in New York State. NYU has a responsibility to protect students vary depending on food’s temperature. ommended to me. Specifically in the context of NYU, though, and the rest of the NYU community against sex- Moreover, the 2,000 calorie rec- It’s understandable to want to know this distrust between students and the universi- ual assault and harassment. For better relations ommendation is an average that was what we’re putting in our bodies, but ty is unsurprising, considering the institution’s in the future, it needs to have better ties with its settled upon due to its simplicity. In we aren’t machines or robots; our needs history of supporting sexual harassers. student body. The suspiciously low number of fact, 2,000 calories is the average intake — and wants — change from day to This Editorial Board has written in the past complaints gathered from the data report must recommended to sustain only children day. While I don’t expect the FDA to on the university’s insufficient reactions to be a wake-up call for universities in general, and and relatively inactive postmenopaus- change their generalized approach to- the sexual harassment allegations against Avital the NYU administration specifically to start al women; most people actually need ward calories, there is still value to no- Ronell and Michael Steinhardt, with the for- building channels of trust with its students. several hundred more calories to func- ticing that the current narrative around mer found guilty by an 11-month long Title IX tion adequately. This estimate doesn’t calories is oversimplified. Instead of fo- even take into account metabolism cusing on numbers and trying to figure speed, which is believed to be largely out our energy expenditure and intake, genetically determined and varies from we should resolve to focus on tuning in person to person. to what our bodies are asking for — or, While nutrition labels are required to at least, recognizing the fact that calcu- Email the Editorial Board at [email protected]. have a disclaimer about the variability of lations and nutrition labels can tell us caloric needs alongside the 2,000 calorie far less about our own unique needs CHAIR Jun Sung reference, this message doesn’t seem to than our bodies can. Our bodies are CO-CHAIR Emily Dai, Gabby Lozano, Asha Ramachandran, Helen Wajda have sunk in. Everywhere I go — espe- designed to keep us alive, and they’re CHAIR EX OFFICIO Cole Stallone, Abby Hofstetter, cially during this resolution-crazed time smarter than any label when it comes to Ronni Husmann, Paul Kim, Anna-Dmitry Muratova of year — I seem to be surrounded by figuring out what we need. calories: people discussing how many calories they’ve eaten (or how many Email Helen Wajda they think they should be eating), fit- at [email protected].

SEND MAIL TO: 75 THIRD AVE. #SB07, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10003 OR EMAIL: [email protected] Submitting 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 to 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. 10 Washington Square News MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

[email protected] SPORTS Edited by ARVIND SRIRAM NYU Students Share Their Favorite Houston Astros Memories Of Kobe Bryant Punished. Was

By KEVIN RYU to shout “Kobe!” when they shoot a Contributing Writer basketball, Kobe’s legacy will be re- It Enough? membered long after his death. I think my favorite Kobe moment was his 81-point game. By ARVIND SRIRAM On Jan. 26, 2020, a helicopter crash After Kobe’s untimely passing, “ That was an incredible performance and something that Sports Editor in Calabasas, Calif. claimed the lives everybody, regardless of their ties to will stick with me forever. I think [my second favorite Kobe of nine victims, including Kobe Bry- Kobe, the Lakers or sports, came to- moment] was actually something that I just read about, him On Nov. 12, 2019, with the testimony of Mike Fiers, ant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. gether to mourn the heartbreaking loss. going and spending time with a 5-year-old boy who was ill ex-pitcher for the Houston Astros, The Atlantic report- During his 20-year career as a Laker, From commemorative social media with cancer. Obviously [Kobe] didn’t want any media there, ed that the Astros used technology to illegally steal signs Bryant was a five-time NBA champi- posts by tennis stars Novak Djokovic so [he] made it a very impromptu visit where nobody knew during the team’s championship season in 2017. Ac- on, an 18-time all-star and a one-time and Naomi Osaka to a tribute mural about it. He spent three hours with the young man and cording to The Atlantic, the Astros placed a camera at MVP. After retirement, Bryant even at the Tenement Court in the Phil- center field, focused on the opposing catcher. The cam- offered the family any medical assistance he could provide. won an Oscar for his short film “Dear ippines, Kobe’s death looms large era feed went directly into the Astros’ clubhouse, where That was the type of person he was. Basketball” in 2018. among everybody. players and coaches could figure out the signals and Despite his numerous accolades, The NYU community also took provide the batter with the type of the incoming pitch. DAGAN NELSON Head Coach of NYU Men’s Basketball Kobe will be remembered for his im- part in mourning the loss of Kobe Bry- ” After a long investigation into these allegations, the pact on the game. From mentoring the ant, sharing their favorite memories MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, finally issued a next generation of NBA superstars to and their thoughts on his legacy. hefty punishment to the Astros. General manager Jeff coining the universal phrase “Mamba Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were suspended for Mentality,” from providing NBA fans Email Kevin Ryu the 2020 season. The team lost four draft picks and life-lasting memories to inspiring many at [email protected]. was fined $5 million. As a result of the suspension, the I guess my favorite Kobe moment was his last Astros fired Luhnow and Hinch, the Boston Red Sox “ game because it just was a closing to the legend fired their manager and former Astros bench coach of Kobe, and I feel really sad. I was in disbelief Alex Cora and the New York Mets fired their newly I am not really a basketball fan, never really watched basketball, but hired manager and former Astros outfielder Carlos at first when I first heard about [his] passing. my friend used to have a Kobe poster on his wall. So, he was the first Beltran due to their roles in the cheating scandal. Cora “ His life was not meant to end like that, like it basketball player I ever knew. When I was a little kid, I used to really and Beltran were the ringleaders of the scandal and was too soon. He was striving for so much and like his shoes. I used to have these purple and gold Kobe 8s; they were communicated the information from the front office accomplishing so much in his second career after the Black History Month Kobes. [His passing] is definitely a tragedy. to the players. basketball. Undoubtedly, the punishments issued to Luhnow FEDERICO ST. SAUVEUR Steinhardt Junior and Hinch were harsh; both cannot work in the MLB ” JORGE BARRENO NYU Shanghai Junior ” until their suspensions are cleared following the 2020 season, they will not receive pay for this season and most From the brief glimpses we got of post-basketball Kobe, importantly, their legacies have been tainted by the “ it seemed like he was really enjoying his retirement. I was Even though I do not follow basketball closely, when I read the news cheating scandal, making it nearly impossible for them excited to see this side of Kobe, the family man and the wise “of his passing, it sucked because it does not matter if you watch to find employment in the MLB once their suspensions senior sportsman. Still, I think it is important to remember basketball or not. Everyone around the world still knew him because are completed. Also, the loss of four draft picks hurts the that Kobe was not a perfect person. In fact, he made several he was such a great basketball player and a great person for his Astros, a team that is mostly built through the draft. Unfortunately, Manfred failed to punish the most extremely high profile mistakes during his career, which community. When I saw the news and I saw the tributes from all the responsible party: the players. Cheating in baseball has basketball players and my friends, that really hurt deeply. seriously damaged the lives of the others involved. I do not always been a problem. The Chicago White Sox in the think that Kobe has to be defined by these mistakes, but I do MICHAEL LO CAS First-Year 1919 World Series and the MLB leader in base hits, Pete think they are significant to his legacy. ” Rose, were caught fixing games; hitters, such as Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa, were caught for using cork- EMMANUEL HIDALGO-WOHLLEBEN Gallatin Junior ” ed bats, pitchers were caught for using illegal foreign substances to improve their pitching and numerous all-stars were caught for using performance-enhanc- ing drugs. However, in each of these cases, the play- ers were punished. In Manfred’s investigation report, he writes that “most of the position players on the 2017 team either The USWNT Is Simply Too Good received sign information from the banging scheme or participated in the scheme by helping to decode signs or By BELA KIRPALANI Americans with a cheeky no-look finish for the sev- dering possession and unable to link up with her bang on the trash can.” Yet, he punished upper manage- Editor-at-Large enth goal of the game. midfield teammates. Her shooting was poor and her ment since they “are responsible for ensuring that the With the two recent wins, the U.S. has extended frustrations were there for everyone to see, but she players both understand the rules and adhere to them.” A 4-0 win over Haiti. An 8-0 absolute goal fest its unbeaten streak to 25 games since its last record- eventually scored the team’s fourth goal late in the A player-based punishment would be ideal; it would against Panama. Large scorelines have become the ed loss against France a year ago. The tournament game. Lloyd was on the bench for the game against send a message to the league. Everybody must deal with norm for the U.S. women’s national soccer team and was also the first action for new coach Vlatko An- Panama on Friday night. the consequences of cheating, considering that an entire this past week’s action in CONCACAF, Women’s donovski since he was hired at the end of October. As a two-time world champion and captain of team of players was involved with the sign-stealing scan- Olympic Qualifying tournament, was no different. But if we can be real for a moment, competition the squad, Lloyd’s resume speaks for itself. But, she dal. Furthermore, stripping the Astros of their 2017 Against Haiti, the first goal for the U.S. came less in CONCACAF is not really anything to brag still has a lot to prove if she wants to be the starting Championship would be a deserving punishment. than two minutes into the game when Lynn Wil- about — next month’s SheBelieves Cup is where striker in Morgan’s absence. With a squad with un- Using this method of sign-stealing, the Astros had an liams lost her cleat but managed to keep the play the real test begins for the U.S., against world-class matched depth and talent, no spot on the USWNT unfair advantage in pursuit of their World Series ring. alive and delivered a delectable cross which Christen opposition like England and Spain. is guaranteed — not even Lloyd’s. Although it would be merely symbolic, it would show Press volleyed home for her 52nd international goal. I expect the U.S. to stick with its 4-3-3 forma- that the Astros do not deserve their status as a World Aside from that moment of brilliance from Wil- tion going forward, but some questions are swirling The Sports Girl is a weekly column that features a Series champion. liams, the U.S. endured a sluggish start. The players’ around player selection. Alex Morgan is out for the girl’s take on sports. Yes, a girl. Yes, on sports. Sadly, suspending every player involved in the cheat- rustiness was understandable; since the NWSL reg- foreseeable future as she is pregnant with her first ing scandal would be messy, unprecedented and impos- ular season ended back in October, many players are child. The aforementioned Williams is proving Email Bela Kirpalani at [email protected]. sible. Since every player on the 2017 Astros benefited just getting back into the swing of things. In the first herself every time she steps on the field, making it from the cheating, punishing each player would have half, the team failed to push forward which allowed nearly impossible for Andonovski to leave her off been a nightmare. The MLB Players Association struck Haiti space to attack into and challenge Alyssa Nae- the team sheet. an agreement with the league early in the investigation her in goal. Haiti even scored off a corner while the Also, there’s the question of what to do with Car- that granted immunity to the 23 current and former U.S. defenders stood frozen in their spots. Unluck- li Lloyd. The 37-year-old was reportedly upset with Astros players who agreed to testify. By granting im- ily for the Haitians, the goal was ruled offside — al- her lack of playing time under former coach Jill Ellis, munity, Manfred expressed his desire for a conflict-free though I haven’t the faintest idea of how one can be arguing that she was in “the best form of her career,” investigation. As a result, Manfred issued the harshest offside on a corner kick. yet didn’t start very many games. In reality, Lloyd punishment in MLB history and allowed the actual The U.S. took back control in the second half, was underperforming for club and country follow- offenders to walk away scot-free. scoring three more goals and finishing the game ing the 2016 Olympics. During the 2017 and 2018 At the end of the day, Manfred’s punishment was se- with 70% of the possession. seasons, she only recorded five goals and one assist vere, yet not enough. Under new management, the As- On Friday night, the U.S. cruised to an 8-0 win in the NWSL. Last season, she improved markedly tros will enter the season with a talented, suspension-free against Panama. Lindsay Horan scored a hat trick for Sky Blue, scoring eight goals in 14 games, but she roster and a chance for another championship run. and Williams notched herself another goal and two hasn’t yet hit those same heights for the U.S. assists. Tobin Heath summed up the night for the Against Haiti, she struggled, repeatedly squan- SOPHIA DI IORIO | WSN Email Arvind Sriram at [email protected]. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Washington Square News 11

[email protected] UNDER THE ARCH Edited by GURU RAMANATHAN

Making Space for Religion at Secular NYU At a secular institution like NYU, being a devout student of faith can be an isolating experience, but within religious centers, tight-knit student networks offer support and friendship. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jewish community. Hashanah and Yom Kippur. At NYU, “Ramadan is supposed to be hard, Goldberg keeps kosher — she ad- however, Jewish students who choose and we get that, but I feel like more heres to a set of dietary laws originat- to spend the holiday at synagogue or could be done [at an administrative ing from Jewish scripture prohibiting with family run the risk of falling be- level] to make it easier,” Steinhardt the consumption of foods including hind in class, even if their absence is alumna Sarah Elfarra, who graduated pork and shellfish as well as mixing excused on paper. in December 2019, said. meat in dairy in the same meal. She Aside from holidays, some students For observant students of faith at a has two sets of dishes in her apartment feel that inadequate or unequal funding secular institution like NYU, Ramadan for meat and dairy. Her roommates are and staffing for religious spaces hinders — which is meant to be an opportunity also Jewish and adhere to the same di- the cultivation of a sufficient support to give full attention to religious devo- etary restrictions. system for certain students of faith. tion — can be placed at odds with ac- “A lot of these things just become Mohsen — the Vice President of the ademics, leaving individual students to subconscious, inherent definites,” Muslim Students Association at NYU balance the space in between. At NYU, Goldberg said. “I have to live with — is a Shiite Muslim, a minority both spaces like the Islamic Center on the someone that keeps kosher just be- around the world and at NYU, where fourth floor of the Global Center for cause of the things that go awry Sunni Muslims make up a majority. Academic and Spiritual Life provide with someone that’s on a different While she believes that the welcom- many students like Elfarra and Mohsen schedule than you.” ing student culture in the Islamic Cen- support — in the form of like-mind- She observes Shabbat from sundown ter emphasizes the harmony between ed peers and religious leadership — to on Friday until sundown on Saturday both sects of Islam, she was surprised help stay in touch with their religion, every week. She usually participates in to find that there was no Shiite repre- particularly during more demanding the weekly programming offered be- sentation on the board of the Muslim times like Ramadan. tween the Bronfman Center Hillel for Student Association. To ensure that ALI ZIMMERMAN | WSN Outside of these religious oases, be- Jewish Student LIfe, the Chabad House future Shiite students will continue As commuter students, Sarah Elfarra (left) and Melanie Mohsen (right) spend their time ing a student of faith at NYU comes on Bowery and Orthodox dinner and to feel welcomed, Moshen created between classes on the fourth floor of GCASL to be close to the mosque prayer space. with a set of hurdles during religious services in GCASL on Friday night. the Ahlul Bayt-al Chair position, a holidays and day-to-day life. But per- Goldberg has made friends within the now-permanent seat to give a voice to haps more effort could be made — Orthodox Jewish community at NYU Shiite students. the most difficult hump. friends choose to wear a hijab every such as a mass email alerting the NYU and when official programming ends, Gallatin senior Alisha Aggarwal, Although Aggarwal succeeded in day. They feel that assumptions often community of Ramadan — to bridge they often congregate at someone’s the president of the Hindu Student establishing a more consistent space accompany first impressions for Mus- the gap between religious and secular apartment to enjoy Shabbat together. Council at NYU, was surprised to find for Hindu students at NYU, she feels lim women wearing hijabs. aspects of NYU life, particularly when “We do this thing called a ‘tish,’ that while there are certain spaces ded- that the space is still sometimes disre- “The hijab is so present, you can’t it comes to accommodation and aware- which is just sitting around with wine icated to Jewish and Muslim students spected, having to share the room with miss it,” Steinhardt senior Dunia Ali ness around special religious obser- and cake and schmoozing and talking at NYU, no such place existed for other programs. Alawi, who is Muslim and chooses to vances and representation of a variety about God and religion and philosophy Hindu students. “After three years of being here, we wear a hijab every day, said. “Just be- of faith groups. and life,” Goldberg said. Aggarwal was raised in Delhi, In- did get a space for our temple but it’s cause we follow a religion where you Gallatin sophomore Aliza Gold- While Goldberg is grateful for the dia, where Hinduism plays an integral just a small office room, and we were can point us out just by looking, don’t berg was raised in a Modern Orthodox abundance of resources for Jewish part in culture and family life. She has sharing it with people, and at one point put all Muslims in a little box and as- Jewish community in Northern New students she has found at NYU — she spent the latter half of her life in the they put a huge industrial-sized fridge sume we are a certain way.” Jersey. The presence of Judaism on has rave reviews of the kosher dining United States, and during her first year in our tiny office,” Aggarwal said. Similarly to certain aspects of Islam, campus was one of the primary things hall at Weinstein — she believes that at NYU, she teamed up with a friend “You’re not supposed to wear shoes in- Christianity can sometimes be linked Goldberg considered when choosing the administration mishandles certain with the hopes of creating a permanent side a temple, and we put up signs, but to conservative thinking in liberal en- a university, and she chose NYU both issues pertaining to Judaism. The fact temple space for Hindu students. people will still go in with shoes.” vironments like New York. CAS junior for the active Hillel and the large Jew- that some clubs and class times inter- In order to receive funding, they Despite some difficulties, estab- Sam Lee was raised Catholic as a mem- ish communities at universities across fere with Shabbat is, for Goldberg, a had to prove that students would show lishing a Hindu center at NYU has al- ber of a Korean-American church in downtown Manhattan. She knew that justifiable consequence of attending up, and at first, Aggarwal held weekly lowed Aggarwal to reconnect to a type his hometown Palo Alto, Calif. many friends she had met at Modern a secular institution, but she believes hours to prove interest in the temple. of Hindu community she experienced “Over the past couple of years espe- Orthodox camps and schools ended that all classes should be canceled for This was a difficult roadblock to over- while living in Delhi. cially, I think there’s been a lot of bad up at schools in the area and hoped Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, come due, in part, to the fact that many “[Hinduism] gives me an anchor media around Christianity, and I un- to rekindle old friendships and form arguably the holiest days of the year in Hindu practices revolve around per- that keeps me going through life,” Ag- derstand why, but now I do think twice new bonds within the New York City the Jewish calendar. sonal reflection which might steer peo- garwal said. “It’s more a guiding force about saying I’m Christian,” Lee said. “I think it’s strange that we don’t get ple away from designated temple hours than a rule book.” “Some people will judge you.” off,” Goldberg said. “Those are univer- which could draw a larger crowd. College can present existential ques- For Lee, finding a church in New sally accepted public school holidays Aggarwal networked with friends tions for young people to grapple with. York which shares his approach to and all of my friends are off, but I have and was eventually able to prove inter- For some, religion provided a space Christianity is still an unmet goal, and to catch up on those classes I miss.” est in the temple, but still, reluctance for personal introspection as well as a the distraction of living in New York Several schools — SUNY Bingham- from NYU administrators to designate guide for secular aspects of life, which and of college life in general have put ton University and The New School a space for Hindu students — unless a can come in handy with balancing a the biggest strain on his relationship to — for example, cancel classes for Rosh large number would come — proved busy schedule. the Christian faith. “I hate the word ‘religiosity.’ It “College life is equated to party makes things become very external,” life, and having that peer pressure is Goldberg said. “I’m not more religious definitely not conducive to being reli- than someone else because I wear a skirt gious,” said Elfarra. “There’s this idea or cover my elbows or keep kosher. It’s that in college you should go crazy now just a question of your mindset and and make up for it later, but in Islam, your devotion and how much is true we don’t have that option.” to you inside.” Many practicing Muslims do not From an outsider’s gaze, religion in drink, a practice that can run antithet- general is still often associated with ical to archetypal social interactions outdated morality, and the personal at a university. nature of religion and in some cases, There are some obstacles, but for larger evolutions in ideology, are of- many, the reward that comes with reli- ten overlooked. gious devotion is worth the cost. Para- “Conversation about religion is doxically welcoming and tight-knit re- really hard to have,” Aggarwal said. ligious communities setting the pace at “There’s almost a negative connotation each spiritual center on campus, many to being religious which I can under- find their religion is just the outlet they stand in the current political climate. need to stay focused, motivated and But I just wish religion wasn’t associ- happy in college. ated with being conservative, which I ALI ZIMMERMAN | WSN ALI ZIMMERMAN | WSN CAS junior Sam Lee wears a cross neck- From the left: Julia Krevit, Aliza Goldberg, Samson Tamar, Shayna Mael at the Chabad think happens sometimes.” Email Ali Zimmerman lace every day as a reminder of his faith. House Bowery. Elfarra, Mohsen and several of their at [email protected]. Washington Square News Staff

Editor-in-Chief Under the Arch Cole Stallone MANAGING EDITOR Guru Ramanathan Managing Editor SENIOR EDITOR Abby Hofstetter Mandie Montes DEPUTY Ronni Husmann, DEPUTY Paul Kim, Anna-Dmitry Alejandra Arevalo, Muratova Sammy Tavassoli MULTIMEDIA Creative Director Deborah Alalade, Sara Miranda Charlie Dodge VOICES Jessica Fiorella, Copy Chiefs Maxine Flasher-Duzgunes Daija Dewberry, Dana Sun EXPOSURES Celia Tewey DEPUTY Nicole Chiarella, EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Kimberly Rice, Isabel Tan Lu Limanowski EDITOR Anastasia Johnson, DEPUTY VIDEO PRODUCER Addison Knies Claire Feng Multimedia ADVERTISING DEPUTY Chelsea Li Business Manager PHOTO Jake Capriotti Mel Bautista VIDEO Leo Sheingate DEPUTY PHOTO Director of Sales Alexandra Chan Yejin Chang DEPUTY VIDEO Alex Tran Director of Marketing and Logistics Social Media Mira Silveira Vanessa Handy DEPUTY Lisa Kindyeyeva, Creative Director Katrina Morgan, David Niu Catherine Chen Account Associates We are telling big stories — the Bling Ring, Venmo Senior Staff fraud, drug donkeys — ones that expanded past our print- NEWS Lisa Cochran, Emily Moosa Waraich Mason standard 500 words, ones that paint pictures with words. CULTURE Bella Gil ADVISING Director of Operations This magazine aims to be a platform where undergraduate ARTS Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack Nanci Healy and graduate students alike can mutter on about their love SPORTS Arvind Sriram Editorial Adviser of the blue-seated MTA trains or put into words the flavor Rachel Holliday Smith Deputy Staff of their love of grandma’s dumplings. NEWS Matthew Fischetti, Editors-at-Large Mina Mohammadi, Alana Beyer, Arin Garland, Roshni Raj Sophia Di Iorio, Bela Kirpalani, nyunews.com/underthearch ARTS Ashley Wu Carol Lee, Kate Lowe, Victor [email protected] FILM Fareid El Gafy Porcelli, Anna de la Rosa, THEATER & BOOKS Akiva Thalheim, Sakshi Sasha Cohen Venkatraman MUSIC Nico Pedrero-Setzer CULTURE Tatiana Velasco CORRECTIONS: WSN is committed BEAUTY & STYLE to accurate reporting. When we make Divya Nelakonda errors, we do our best to correct them ABROAD Sam Brinton as quickly as possible. If you believe we DINING Lauren Gruber have erred, contact the managing editors at [email protected].

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