4 CULTURE 9 OPINION New York Is Banning Plastic Bags, The Slow Progress of the Plastic NYU Students and Alumni React Bag Ban

7 ARTS 10 SPORTS Gallatin Celebrates Black Artistry NYU Men’s Basketball’s with ‘Say It Loud!’ Disappointing End

VOLUME LIV | ISSUE 6 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Black Muslim Initiative Hosts Milestone Conference

The Second Annual NYU Black Muslim Initiative Symposium highlighted the erasure of Black Muslims in Islamic history.

By MINA MOHAMMADI Deputy News Editor

As a soulful Quranic recitation rang across the stage at Kimmel’s Rosenthal Pavilion with views of the New York City skyline in the background, Sheika Ieasha Prime, Scholar-in-Residence and Associ- ate Champlain at NYU, took the stage to speak to an eager crowd of around 200. “Being an ally calls for you to know who I am,” Prime told WSN. “If you are going to be an ally to me, do you know my history? Do you know my story? Do you know my narrative? Before you can show up and say, ‘No Muslim ban,’ do you know why I have the PHOTO COURTESY OF AROOSHA AAMIR right to be here?” Students gather at Kimmel Rosenthal Pavilion for the 2nd Annual Black Muslim Symposium. CONTINUED ON PAGE 1

Bar Denies NYU Student for Her Puerto Rican ID

By CECILIA HUA While waiting in line, two of Gelpí’s Contributing Writer friends, who had a U.S. passport card and a Washington State ID, were let in What was supposed to be a fun without a hitch. When it came to her night out with friends took a turn and her friend Lola Palerm, a New York when CAS senior Rebecca Gelpí was Film Academy student — also holding denied entry at a bar. The reason? Her a Puerto Rican driver’s license — she Puerto Rican ID. said the bouncer became skeptical. Gelpí was out with friends last Sat- “He told us that he was uncomfort- urday night when the group decided able with our form of ID, that it was CECILIA HUA | WSN to go to Los Feliz — a Mexican bar and invalid and we should leave immediate- Rebecca Gelpí, an NYU senior majoring in Journalism and Cinema Studies holds up her Puerto Rican ID. Gelpí and her friend restaurant on the Lower East Side fre- ly,” Gelpí said. Lola Palerm were denied entry from Los Feliz, a Mexican bar/restaurant on the Lower East Side, apparently due to their Puerto quented by NYU students. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Rican IDs. 2 Washington Square News MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

[email protected] NEWS Edited by LISA COCHRAN and EMILY MASON Black Muslim Initiative Hosts Bar Denies NYU Student for Milestone Conference Her Puerto Rican ID

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ident of the Black Muslim Initiative, also voiced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 our ID even though we’re US citizens,” a Prime was a keynote speaker at the Second frustrations with these simplifications. Taken aback and confused, Gelpí tried user by the name of ‘Daniella S’ posted on Annual Black Muslim Symposium titled “Out “We often imagine someone Arab or Middle to explain to the bouncer that Puerto Ri- August 23, 2019. of the Darkness & Into the Light” hosted by Eastern when we talk about Muslims, but Black can IDs are valid American identification Los Feliz bar manager Jeremy Hansen said the Black Muslim Initiative on Saturday, Feb. Muslims like myself have existed for centuries,” cards, but he dismissed her and told them the bar does not have any protocol regarding 28. The initiative was founded in 2017 by Black Hydara said. “The large majority of Muslims to go somewhere else, even calling over Puerto Rican IDs. Muslim students at NYU to create a safe space come from the continent of Africa. The first another bouncer. “It is not our policy to deny Puerto Rican for those with intersecting identities. The event Muslims here in America were the Africans.” “They asked us why we did not have our IDs,” Hansen told WSN. “If any ID may ap- is an attempt to reclaim the narrative about the This lack of representation and mischarac- passports with us,” Gelpí said. “So I said, pear to be fake and we cannot verify its au- role played by Black Muslims in the development terizations of Africans within the discussion of ‘Because we’re American citizens, we don’t thenticity, we may deny it. This has happened of Islam and America. Islam has been damaging for the identities of need to carry [them] around.’” from everything to Pennsylvania IDs to Ore- The event aimed to illuminate the Black Mus- many Muslims, including Gallatin sophomore Puerto Rico became a commonwealth of gon IDs to, yes, even Puerto Rican IDs.” lim experience through Quranic recitations, Mariama Stevenson. the U.S. in 1952, but Puerto Ricans have Gelpí and Palerm are both over 21 and lectures, panels and poetry readings. Organizers “Not only have I experienced discrimination been granted birthright citizenship since the the authenticity of their IDs could have hoped the symposium would provide an oppor- from non-Muslims, but also from the Muslim Jones Act of 1917. For Gelpí and Palerm, been verified by a scanner, which the bounc- tunity to highlight the Black Islamic communi- community too,” Stevenson said. “The original who were both born in Puerto Rico and are ers had. Defeated and disappointed, they ty that has been traditionally downplayed in the founders of the club were hesitant to come to Is- therefore automatic U.S. citizens, this inci- left the venue. historical teachings of Islam. Prime discussed lamic spaces and felt as though their Islam was in- dent was an unwelcome surprise. “I just feel there is still a lot to learn from this historical erasure and its reversion to is- validated and had to prove their Islam. BMI gives “This is a place where Hispanics and this situation, people should know we’re sues of racism. us a space of our own to recognize that Black cul- Latinos go as a safe haven, to meet peo- American citizens,” Gelpí said. “[Racism] says you do not have a place or his- ture and Black history is Islam too.” ple just like us, and now we can’t be in Last November, 20-year-old Puerto Ri- tory here,” Prime said. ”Your presence is some- Hydara said that non-Black and non-Mus- here?” Palerm asked. can student José A. Guzmán-Payano, who thing new or borrowed. Africans have been inte- lim students must take it upon themselves to Gelpí and Palerm were not the only ones studies at Purdue University, was denied gral to the history of Islam. In fact, much of the be better allies. who have experienced this. Other customers cold medicine at a CVS Pharmacy in Indi- Quran takes place in Africa. Because of this era- “There are a lot of people who claim that they have been denied entry for the same reason, ana because the employees did not perceive sure, we are now calling upon young women and are allies to the Muslim community, but many according to the establishment’s Yelp reviews. his driver’s license as a valid form of ID, the men to rediscover this history and invite others don’t go beyond being a ‘fashionable ally,’” she “Absolute terrible service,” wrote a user New York Times reported. on this journey.” said. “You have to educate yourself about the peo- named ‘Kayla M’ on Oct. 26, 2019. “They Palerm attributed the incident to baseless Misconceptions about the Black Islamic com- ple you support. Be uncomfortable. This event is would not take a legal US ID because it was stigma against Puerto Ricans. munity often include notions that most Black open to all. Come through and educate yourself from Puerto Rico which is part of the US “It could be a mix of both ignorance and Muslims are black nationalists, immigrants or about people who are different from you, it is the and issues legal IDs.” discrimination,” Palerm said. “[Puerto Ri- came as a result of Malcolm X’s popularity. The best thing we can do.” Another user had a similar complaint. cans] can have a bad rap of being rowdy, but voice of indigenous African American Muslims, “Terrible and racist towards Puerto Ri- I want to think it’s mostly ignorance.” Prime states, are almost completely erased. Email Mina Mohammadi cans, we went to have a fun night out and CAS senior Aesteou Hydara, who is the Pres- at [email protected]. couldn’t get in because they wouldn’t accept Email Cecilia Hua at [email protected].

We are telling big stories — the Bling Ring, Venmo fraud, drug donkeys — ones that expanded past our print-standard 500 words, ones that paint pictures with words. This magazine aims to be a platform where undergraduate and graduate students alike can mutter on about their love of the blue-seated MTA trains or put into words the flavor of their love of grandma’s dumplings.

nyunews.com/underthearch [email protected] MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 Washington Square News | News 3

CRIME LOG Report Reveals Discriminatory Two Laptops Reported Practices on Students’ Loans By EMILY MASON fired, Welbeck said. tical and that out of 26 fabricated Missing Within Two Days News Editor “A lot of companies are thinking applications submitted by report about ways to expand access to cred- conductors, only three who proved Black and Latinx university stu- it because we have millions of people the center’s points were includ- dents may receive worse rates on in our country who don’t really have ed in the report. their loans due to the use of edu- a credit profile or may not have the The company maintains that the cational data by private companies best of credit, so they’re not inter- use of alternative data, such as edu- to establish credit worthiness, ac- acting in a mainstream credit mar- cational data, expands access to cred- cording to a recent report from the ket,” Welbeck said. it across all groups. In 2017, Upstart Student Borrower Protection Cen- In a case study on Upstart — a pri- received a no-action letter from the ter, a nonprofit focused on alleviat- vate company that advertises them- Consumer Financial Protection Bu- ing student debt. selves using non-traditional data to reau, stating that the Bureau had no Institutional practices that result establish credit-worthiness — the intentions of recommending an in- in negative economic results for report analyzed the costs of identical vestigation into the company regard- people from marginalized commu- hypothetical borrowers seeking to ing violations of the Equal Credit nities are referred to as education- refinance student loans who attend- Opportunity Act. The company’s al redlining. The February report ed three different universities: NYU, independent testing found its credit showed that the use of educational Howard University (an HBCU) and appraisal process expands access to data in establishing credit rates is New Mexico State University-Las credit across race, ethnicity and gen- hitting Black and Latinx students Cruces (an HSI). ders by 23%-29%. with extra fees. The report found that a hypothet- “Upstart has responded to the Students from community col- ical borrower seeking a $30,000 loan letter from Senator Brown, Senator leges, historically Black colleges refinancing product with the same Warren, Senator Menendez, Sena- or universities, or HCBUs, and major, job and annual income would tor Booker and Senator Harris,” an Hispanic-serving institutions, or pay $3,499 more having attended Upstart spokesperson told WSN HSIs, are paying more for the same Howard University and $1,724 more in an email. “We’re committed to loans, the report indicated. The having attended New Mexico State demonstrating that Upstart’s use of report compared the cost of loans University, compared to a borrower alternative data, including educa- for a hypothetical student from who had attended NYU. tion, improves credit outcomes for NYU, a non-minority serving in- The President of Howard Uni- all disadvantaged groups.” stitution, against the cost of loans versity, Wayne A.I. Frederick, said The practice of educational redlin- for hypothetical students from these practices could cause students ing fell into the public eye most no- an HCBU or HSI. to enter the job market sooner to tably in 2007, after New York Attor- CHARLIE DODGE | WSN Katherine Welbeck — a civil rights start paying off their loan debts rath- ney General Andrew Cuomo spoke counsel for the Student Borrower er than pursuing graduate or pro- out against determining an individ- On Feb. 26 at 9:51 a.m., a staff mem- Protection Center — explained the fessional degrees. ual’s credit rate based on their uni- By CRIME BOT Robot Reporter ber reported illegal drug law posses- importance of fair credit practices “If you look at the comparisons, versity’s loan default rate, the rate at sion in Broome Street Residential for allowing loan opportunities. the endowment of Howard Univer- which students from that university From Feb. 20 to 26, the NYU Depart- College. Public Safety confiscated a “Credit really determines so much sity is less than a billion dollars so fail to pay back their loans. small amount of marijuana. The case of people’s economic outcomes and our ability to provide institutional Welbeck said that when looking ment of Public Safety received three re- ports of Criminal Trespass, one report of is closed and referred to the Office of their mobility in our society, credit need to students is less robust than for means to expand credit access, it Community Standards. affects everything from your ability these other institutions,” Freder- has to be equitable. Domestic Violence, five reports of Drug Law Violation, four reports of Harass- to own a home to your ability to buy ick told WSN in an interview. “So “The user education data is really Harassment a car,” Welbeck told WSN in an in- to then double down on that and concerning in our minds because we ment, three reports of Larceny and one report of Liquor Law Violation. On Feb. 21 at 3:39 p.m., a student terview. “So it seems like when peo- leave them with greater debt is re- worry that in trying to expand access reported being harassed on West 4th ple are outside of mainstream credit ally not fair.” to credit, they’re also potentially run- Criminal Trespass Street and MacDougal Place. Police markets they’re more prone to using In the wake of the report, U.S. ning a risk of discriminating against notification was declined and the case predatory products.” Senate Democrats, including 2020 borrowers of color, exacerbating On Feb. 21 at 5:03 p.m., a staff mem- ber reported a criminal trespass in is open and under investigation Credit is established to signal to presidential candidate Elizabeth income inequality for marginalized On Feb. 23 at 3:50 a.m., a student a loaner the likelihood of the loan Warren, wrote an open letter to Up- communities,” Welbeck said. “Be- Forbes Building. The person left with- out further incident and the case is reported being harassed in Gramercy being paid back. Educational data is start denouncing the use of non-in- cause we know educational access in Green. Police notification was declined thought of by some private compa- dividualized data to establish a per- our country has a history of being open and under investigation. On Feb. 23 at 12:05 a.m., an RA re- and the case is open and under inves- nies as a means to provide a broader son’s creditworthiness. exclusionary and limited to people tigation. pool of people — like non-home- In response, Upstart outlined the who are able to access education.” ported witnessing a criminal trespass in Second Street Residence Hall. The On Feb. 25 at 7:05 p.m., a staff mem- owners or people who don’t have study’s weaknesses in a blog post ber reported harassment at Weinstein Email Emily Mason people left without further incident and credit cards — more options for on their website, claiming the ap- Hall. Police notification was declined loans, but the practice has back- plications submitted were not iden- at [email protected]. the case is closed and was referred to the Office of Community Standards. and the case is open and under inves- On Feb. 24 at 6:45 p.m., a Public Safe- tigation. ty Officer reported a criminal trespass On Feb. 26 at 11:39 a.m., a faculty in the Education Building. The person member reported harassment at 15 was escorted out without further inci- Metrotech Center. The case is open dent. A police report was filed and the and under investigation. case is open and under investigation. Larceny Domestic Violence On Feb. 24 at 5:10 p.m., a student On Feb. 26 at 9:02 p.m., a student re- reported missing headphones in Sil- ported domestic violence in University ver Center. Police notification was de- Hall. The case is open and under inves- clined and the case is open and under tigation. investigation. On Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., a student re- Drug Law Violation ported a missing laptop in Silver Cen- On Feb. 20 at 8:15 p.m., a student re- ter. Police notification was declined ported illegal drug possession in Third and the case is open and under inves- Avenue North Residence Hall. The case tigation. is closed and referred to the Office of On Feb. 28 at 12:32 a.m., a student Community Standards. reported her laptop was missing in On Feb. 24 at 5 p.m., a student re- Bobst Library. Police notification was ported illegal drug law possession in declined and the case is open and un- Gramercy Green Residence Hall. The der investigation. case is open and under investigation. On Feb. 25 at 9:52 p.m., an RA report- Liquor Law Violation ed illegal drug law possession in Lipton On Feb. 22 at 12:49 a.m., an RA re- Hall. Public Safety confiscated a small ported underage alcohol possession in amount of marijuana and the case is Palladium Hall. The case is closed and open and under investigation. was referred to the Office of Commu- nity Standards. JAKE CAPRIOTTI | WSN On Feb. 26 at 8:22 a.m., a student re- Student loan applications are a common experience faced by many university students worrying about tuition costs. A ported illegal drug possession in Gram- recent report comparing NYU, Howard University, and New Mexico State has shown that students attending predominantly ercy Green. The case is open and under Email Crime Bot black or hispanic-serving institutions face higher costs from private companies determining creditworthiness. investigation. at [email protected]. 4 Washington Square News MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

[email protected] CULTURE Edited by BELLA GIL New York Is Banning Plastic Bags, NYU Students and Alumni React By MIA KARLE groceries are packed for you,” Huis- comes through education, and this Contributing Writer man said. “The shopper can’t even stop will be a small but powerful way to to think, or take out their own reusable educate people.” Out of an estimated 100 billion bag because by the time they do, their Nelson also believes that the ban will plastic bags used by Americans each groceries have already been scanned be a wake-up call for the NYU commu- year, 23 billion are from New York and packed in plastic bags.” nity who have become accustomed to State alone. Beginning March 1, 2020, However, even though the law will single-use bags. the Bag Waste Reduction Act will go ban plastic bags, paper bags still nega- “I hope that this will influence stu- into effect in New York State. The law tively impact the environment and will dents to be more mindful of the waste was passed in hopes of reducing New continue to be distributed. The ques- we create,” Nelson said. “We are a huge York’s plastic and single-use waste tion is, will a five-cent fee be enough to part of determining what our plan- and consequently its environmental reduce paper bag usage as well? The fee et will look like in the future. I think impacts thereof. only applies to taxed sales, excluding that a lot of us just aren’t aware of how “All plastic carryout bags (other than tax-exempt stores like NYU’s Market everything we do affects the planet. an exempt bag) are banned from distri- at Sidestein, where paper bags will be That’s part of the reason why I think bution by anyone required to collect given out with no fee. this ban will be so good, because it’s New York sales tax,” New York State’s The Bag Waste Reduction Act is taking away the opportunity to use Department of Environmental Con- not New York State’s first attempt single-use plastic that so many of us servation states. “Cities and counties at addressing its plastic bag problem. wouldn’t even think about otherwise.” are authorized to adopt a five-cent pa- In 2009, New York’s Plastic Bag Re- New York State’s Department of En- per carry-out bag reduction fee.” duction, Reuse and Recycling Act set vironmental Conservation is encourag- The law exempts some plastic bags, measures in place to offer plastic bag ing shoppers to #BYOBagNY so shop- such as bags that separate foods like recycling collection in select stores. pers do not give in to paper bag usage meats or produce to avoid contam- However, the act only relied on the after the law goes into effect. ination, package bulk items, restau- will of consumers to remember to re- “Ideally, a bag should be washable rant carry-out bags and bags for pre- cycle their bags. and designed for multiple uses, such scription drugs. Tisch junior Sarah Nelson recogniz- as one made from cloth,” the Depart- Courant alumna Merel Huisman es that the ban is only a step towards re- ment of Environmental Conservation believes the ban is the push consumers ducing the abundance of plastic waste advised. “If you forget to bring a bag need to bring awareness to plastic usage New York creates. with you, many retailers will have reus- and begin reducing plastic waste. “Plastic is so terrible for the envi- able bags for sale.” “I think part of the problem comes ronment, I only wish this ban covered Starting this month, do not forget MIA KARLE | WSN from going to supermarkets where you all plastic bags across the board, not your reusable bags! Since March 1, grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s began charging a small fee for each are barely even given the opportunity just those from places with sales tax,” bag used. The plastic bag ban is the latest policy in the city’s efforts to reduce single-use to say no to plastic bags, because the Nelson said. ”Though a lot of change Email Mia Karle at [email protected]. waste.

This Instagram Account Wants You to Open the F-ck Up!

By SABRINA CHOUDHARY a conversation.” to mention Paris, North Carolina, New Staff Writer “For me, it was a lot about like, ig- Hampshire, Philadelphia and Rutgers.” norance and stuff, because I moved [to However, the project still has a pres- If you’ve been around the city lately, America] two or three years ago from ence on campus. you may have spotted a few flyers pro- Pakistan,” co-creator and Liberal Studies “I actually found out about it through a claiming to the world, “White Privilege first-year Zoya Hasan said. “And I just see friend of mine,” CAS sophomore Ma’Laja Is Real” and “Insecure as F-ck.” From how ignorant people are here.” Patton said. “I saw that she posted it on Washington Square to Times Square, the It all began when Husain watched her story, like her insecurities tagged in her flyers were posted where they would get a Chelsea Handler’s 2019 documentary, bio. And I was like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s really reaction. And they did. The posters origi- “Hello Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea.” cool.’ So I followed them.” nally had slips attached to the bottom for “It really made me think like, ‘I wonder Patton thinks the project has the poten- people to tear off if they agreed with the how other people would react to talking tial to gain more attention at NYU. statement. Some of the flyers are missing about white privilege,’” she said. “And “Everyone lowkey wants to be able to all of these slips. then I put something on my Instagram express that stuff, but no one’s ever really “By you going up to a poster and rip- story. And I was so interested in … how given, like, a very clear opportunity,” she ping off a thing that means you’re part of this would be if it was a public project.” said. “It’s kind of easier to say your inse- our movement,” Steinhardt first-year and After grabbing attention with the curities with this because you can just fall Open the F-ck Up co-creator Tori Husain white privilege project, the pair tackled back on like, ‘Oh, well they said to do it.’ I said. “And then when people walk by and insecurity. One of their Instagram posts really like the idea of people being vulner- they see like five things ripped off they’re challenged followers to “step out of your able with each other.” like, ‘Okay, other people agree with me.’” comfort zone, [and] put your insecuri- But despite its many fans, the move- This was the first social experiment ties in your bio.” ment has also received plenty of backlash. by the month-old social media platform The result was staggering. Though must people approach these Open the F-ck Up. You can find them “So many people posted their insecu- posters to take a tab, others took the en- on Instagram @openthefuckup, welcom- rities on Instagram, and I think that’s tire poster. “A guy ripped it down and was ing you with the cryptic bio, “Nobody a really big deal because a social media like, ‘This is America!’” Husain said. talks about their insecurities.” At first platform is where you show your most But it’s full steam ahead for the plat- glance, their account may look bare with artificial, perfect selves,” Hasan said. “You form. The creators are planning two events only four posts, but as you delve deep- don’t want people to see your flaws. And in Brooklyn this spring, and they’re pro- er, you’ll discover an open invitation to people posting their insecurities on there, ducing a video on masculinity. The pair converse candidly about America’s deep- like people we don’t even know? I thought hopes to explore a wide variety of themes. est social issues. that was so amazing. I knew maybe a few “Basically anything that’s considered Their goal is exactly what the name young people here and there were gonna taboo, we just want to get on there and implies: convincing viewers to share their see it and put it on their story, but I didn’t talk about,” Hasan said. genuine feelings and opinions by suspend- think it was gonna blow up.” For now, though, the best thing you ing labels, insults and judgments. “In three weeks, we have 1300 follow- can do is follow the group’s Instagram “I think what I personally wanted to ers,” Husain added. account, DM the pair to get involved and change is how we have conversations Perhaps the most impressive part is most importantly, open up a conversation VIA INSTAGRAM @OPENTHEFUP now,” Husain said. “Every single human Open the F-ck Up’s nationwide, and even with those around you. A flyer bearing the statement, “White Privilege is Real” is tacked on a pole in being is nuanced in every single way. And international, support. the subway. These flyers have been put up all over the city by Open the F-ck Email Sabrina Choudhary Up, a new social experiment encouraging people to open up about taboo if we just cancel people, in my perspective, “We have people posting in Amsterdam, issues. I think it’s lazy. We’re not actually having Toronto, the UK,” Husain said. “Not at [email protected]. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 Washington Square News | Culture 5

Student Tarot Card Readers Unveil Their Supernatural Beliefs

By ADDISON ALOIAN “I thought it was a really cool way to kin- had Corpening read her cards last fall. Contributing Writer da see possibilities in your future and give “I feel like the cards can always be rel- you an interesting perspective,” she said. evant because they’re relatively nebulous As NYU students, we are lucky to be im- Corpening also explained why he loves meanings that are open to interpreta- mersed in a diverse student body with many giving tarot card readings. tion,” she said. beliefs. Among us are those who feel a deep- “Other than giving advice and being Sessinghaus is uncertain about how the er connection to the universe, who practice helpful to people, I feel like it’s a really cool cards work but recalled her many mystical the art of reading tarot cards. way to feel connected to everything, espe- experiences with them. These are not your average deck of cards. cially to feel connected to strangers,” Corp- “I have had multiple times, more often With the help of spiritual energy, they can ening said. “I see the deck as a tool for explor- than not, when the cards are so accurate to reveal your past, present and future, while ing the many different angles to a problem.” either my situation or another person’s sit- providing guidance and self-reflection. Sessinghaus interprets the cards as a uation and it’s absolutely freaky,” she said. Readers can gather this information by guide from energies telling her how to “So I’m not necessarily stuck on the idea drawing several cards from the deck and spend her time. that they’re 100% accurate or that there arranging them in a particular pattern. Al- “They just help me reframe how I look is a science behind it, but I would not be though tarot cards have been around for at the world,” she said. “I don’t necessarily surprised if there was some sort of energy centuries, Tisch sophomores Christian think that they’re telling me my future, or pulling you to pick a card out.” Corpening and Grace Sessinghaus still telling me a certain way to live my life, but if LS sophomore Madi Torem spoke use them today. I have a question of like, ‘What should I put about her experience when Sessinghaus Corpening spoke about his first experi- my energy towards today?’ and then I get read her tarot cards last spring. JAKE CAPRIOTTI | WSN ence with tarot cards last year. a card that is talking about friendship and “It was so crazy spiritual,” she said. “Ev- Tisch sophomore Christian Corpening gives tarot card readings for other students. He “I got a reading done from Kyler, the guy relationships, then I’ll put my energy more erything she was saying was so on the nose.” was introduced to the practice last year in Washington Square Park. who does it in [Washington Square Park],” toward relationships that day.” Torem recently went through a breakup, Corperning said. “The rest of how I learned As there is much speculation about which Sessinghaus had no prior knowledge have passed on). paranormal stuff that’s happened to me, I came from my research­ — lots of Googling, whether tarot cards and psychics are real or of. But during the reading, she foresaw the “I don’t,” Corpening said. “I do believe definitely do believe in mediums and psy- reading a book or two.” just fun and games, the psychics — as well event had occurred. there is a sort of sixth sense related to one’s chics,” she said. Sessinghaus had her first card reading as some students they have read cards for — “It was insanely accurate,” she said. “The emotional intelligence and how one utilizes No one can say for sure if there is some a few years ago in Salem, Massachusetts, explain the validity of the readings. energy in the room was different.” their life experience combined with their mystical force behind tarot card readings the town notorious for the Salem witch “I don’t approach it from the view of Corpening and Sessinghaus also dis- emotional and social intelligence to relate and paranormal connections in the world, trials in the late 17th century. When she like, ‘This is the one finite solution to your cussed whether or not they believed in to and assist the client in any way they can.” but these students definitely feel a deep pull came to NYU, she was reintroduced to problem,’” he explained. “Rather like, other supernatural occurrences, such as Sessinghaus has a contrary view about to our universe. tarots through a friend, then decided to ‘This is one very possible outcome out of a sixth sense (a sense that can see beyond the supernatural. learn through her tarot card book and all of them.’” the physical realm) or mediums (those “With my personal experience of inter- Email Addison Aloian website tutorials. Taylor Redmond, a CAS sophomore, who can channel the energy of spirits who acting with spirits and energies and with the at [email protected].

Doesn’t Get Finer Model Behavior: Than Thai Diner From Photo Shoots to First-Year

By RIA MITTAL prime lunch rush hour. The decor inside truly couture, luxury, street style or fast fashion Staff Writer embodied what I imagined Thai-American — for more than a few years at a time. diner fusion would look like. The bamboo wo- Stokes has not focused on one individ- I am the biggest fan of Thai food. Any Thai ven walls and large, potted, leafy green plants, ual market, opening herself up to shoot- takeout place, restaurant and lunch special paired with the diner staples of homely booths ing with both big brands as well as local worth talking about has been tried and tested and long-running counters by the bar, really photographers. More recently, Stokes by yours truly. So when I heard that the team captured the essence of both cultures. has worked with student photographers, behind Uncle Boons, a Michelin-starred Thai The menus were exactly like those you’d a medium where creativity is almost al- restaurant, opened up their new Thai-Ameri- find at a typical American diner — huge and ways key. According to Stokes, it is in can fusion diner, I knew I had to try it. Nestled laminated with cute fonts. Amongst the three these shoots with student photographers between Nolita and Little Italy, Thai Diner of us, we ordered Phat See Eiw, a typical Thai where models are able to be a part of the opened up shop in the exact spot my old pas- dish, the Fried Chicken Sandwich, a typical process. It’s a process that can give models ta favorite, Sosta, used to operate. The antici- American diner dish, and the Thai Tea Babka a unique insight that is more often than pation was real. French Toast, a seemingly perfect fusion of not limited in the premeditated struc- Thai Diner immediately stood out from its the two. I was a little surprised at the pricing, ture of big brands. surroundings with its bamboo-like wooden ex- $13-15 — it was a little higher than I expect- “My mindset is to just sort of take teriors, which set the vibe right off the bat. The ed, especially considering they had no lunch whatever comes to me,” said Stokes. “I line to enter was long yet fast-moving, which specials either. don’t want to set myself up for disap- was to be expected considering my friends The food itself was of incredibly high quali- pointment. Modeling here is super com- and I arrived at around noon on a weekday — ty. You’d think by attempting the fusion of two COURTESY OF SAMI STOKES @SAMISTOKED petitive and honestly scares me a little bit. I vastly different cuisines, it would be easy to lose First-year Sami Stokes poses for the camera. Stokes has modeled for luxury de- definitely don’t know if I’m cut out for it. their individual essences. Not only did Thai partment store Bergdorf, and is currently studying Applied Psychology at NYU. But if the opportunity were ever to come, Diner keep those individual culinary spirits I would happily take it! I do really enjoy alive, but it also created a new one that I think By DANIELA ORTIZ she took on a lot of Instagram jobs with doing it but I’m not currently signed would appeal to everyone. The Phat See Eiw Staff Writer photographers that catered specifically in NYC. So right now, it’s definitely and Chicken Sandwich were both expertly sea- to that medium. Though, like Stokes, not a priority.” soned and prepared, and the Phat See Eiw was Dallas to New York City, Bergdorf both the photographers and models she Currently an Applied Psychology modified to fit my allergies really well. They also Goodman to Instagram shoots, Wilhelmi- worked with at the time have moved on, major, Stokes did not let her modeling threw in some crispy tofu which added a whole na to Wallflower: Steinhardt first-year she still considers them to be some of her aspirations influence her decision to at- new textural layer to it. Sami Stokes has done it all. No stranger favorite people. tend NYU. She has always admired the The Thai Tea Babka French Toast was truly to moving around, having lived in Califor- “I did one of my favorite test shoots opportunities that come with living in a dish of dreams. Who would have thought that nia, Chicago and Dallas, Stokes was finally of the past few years just a couple weeks New York, and NYU has always been her adding some sliced papaya and condensed milk able to call NYU her home this spring. ago and we were all wearing bikinis in “dream school.” would elevate a dish already so beloved? We Modeling since the age of 14, Stokes has the NYC nighttime weather in an alley Stokes plans to fully embrace the op- also noted that the toast had a raisin flavor to it, not explicitly planned her future around a with our knees in cold water in a kiddie portunities and connections surrounding which is unusual for both American and Thai modeling career, but hasn’t ruled it out ei- pool,” Stokes said. “It sounds insane, but her, considering other paths if she doesn’t food, but we weren’t opposed to it. We saw a ther after moving to New York City. the photos turned out so bomb. I love decide to pursue modeling. Taking each couple of vibrant and colorful tall drinks being After signing with the No Ties mod- doing crazy stuff like that and just total- opportunity that comes her way with served (potentially Thai Iced Tea milkshakes) eling agency in California, Stokes moved ly letting a photographer act out their grace and appreciation, Stokes is quite that we regretted not ordering ourselves. to Chicago and then signed with the creative vision.” mindful of being open to wherever her life All in all, with the fast and friendly service esteemed modeling agency Wilhelmi- One of Stokes’ career highlights was takes her, joking about her future: and incredibly yummy food, I would highly na. Once again moving to Dallas, Texas, modeling for Bergdorf, the luxury de- “I could end up doing journalism recommend giving Thai Diner a shot, especial- Stokes signed with the modeling agen- partment store. The shoot landed her on or film studies and have an equally big ly considering its proximity to several of NYU’s cy Wildflower, but has yet to sign with the retailer’s website, modeling a dress community there. And you also get to be RIA MITTAL | WSN downtown dorms as it’s located at 186 Mott St. broke no matter what you do.” The Fried Chicken Sandwich and Phat See an agency in New York. Stokes has met that “costs more than [her] school hous- Eiw are both served by Uncle Boons. This some of her best friends through her ing.” Because she moved so often, Stokes new Asian-fusion restaurant is located in Email Ria Mittal modeling jobs. has not had the chance to develop in any Email Daniela Ortiz Little Italy. at [email protected]. While living and working in Chicago, specific fashion market — whether it be at [email protected]. 6 Washington Square News MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

[email protected] ARTS Edited by KAYLEE DEFREITAS and ETHAN ZACK The End of the World Beckons Pop’s Death

“violent pop.” The list goes on. Ev- like Tame Impala has become all the ery rising artist is calling for a new, more pronounced as of late when you punk-driven musical aesthetic; a new compare his act to that of previous wave of pop that obliterates our cur- Coachella headliners like Drake and rent understanding of it by replacing the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is a it with an ethos that reflects the ma- notion that similarly applies to Roddy nia of the times. Ricch’s “F-ck 12” anthem, “The Box,” There’s an interesting comparison overcoming all of Justin Bieber’s clas- to be made between the parallels of sically-produced pop love songs. Ris- musical shift that are currently going ing pop artists like Charli XCX and on and the transition that took place Rico Nasty, who according to Spotify from the standard ’50s pop, to the garner millions of listeners per month, experimentalism of the ’60s, to the raise an interesting question as to radicalization at the hands of the punk whether they represent a new mani- movement in the ’70s and early ’80s. festation of pop and punk, or a new Looking at recent releases by Billie Ei- melding of the two. lish, who disrupts conventionality by We’ve reached a point where mere using unconventional beats to high- love songs and celebration of bliss- light previously taboo subject matters, fulness ignorance just don’t do it or SOPHIE and Arca, who’ve cultivat- anymore. Talking to a small selection ed a beautifully anarchic style that re- representing a wide array of the NYU flects their experience as trans-artists, student body including the likes of you can begin to see the primordial- students in the graduate program, ly-important-countercultural mani- Gallatin first-years, Clive students and festing itself in the music scene as an aspiring journalists, a single sentiment NICOLAS PEDRERO-SETZER | WSN evolution of the punk movement. seemed to be shared by all: people Alternative band Model/Actriz performs at Elsewhere in Brooklyn. Rising pop artists like Charli XCX and Rico Nasty raise an inter- The simultaneous releases of King want to be possessed by music. Mind- esting question as to whether they represent a new manifestation of pop and punk, or a new melding of the two. Krule’s “Man Alive!” and Grimes’ less muzak doesn’t cut it anymore — it “Miss Anthropocene” last week stands holds no weight in a day and age where By NICOLAS PEDRERO-SETZER of the zeitgeist. There’s something to in our age. California art-punk duo as the perfect sounds of pop in an everything’s at stake, and that’s exact- Music Editor be said about the rise of rage, anarchy The Garden calls for the expression of age of contemporary madness. When ly why music that holds the power to and experimentation that seems to be “Vada Vada,” “a term that represents the world seems to be coming to an overwhelm via its assertive lyrics, beats Recent releases by artists rising in catching more people’s attention than total freedom of expression without end, gentrification doesn’t let you and message becomes so enticing. The popularity who might’ve been consid- the repetitiveness of traditional pop. boundaries or guidelines of any sort.” pay your rent anymore, social media age of vada vada, ethereal nu metal and ered fringe artists a mere three years Surveying a myriad of contempo- Meanwhile, Grimes’ urges Spotify to alienates you from society further violent pop is upon us, forgetting lack- ago — like Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, rary artists who are all manifesto-ing make “ethereal nu metal,” a combi- and you begin to feel more insignif- luster pop in favor of a new brand of Rico Nasty, King Krule, Grimes and new musical movements despite dis- nation of noisy electronic metal and icant in the grand schemes of things, exciting pop that’s heavily entrenched Charli XCX —­ point to a radical shift playing evident similarities in their super harmonic dream-pop, an offi- King Krule’s crooning is bound to feel in the punk philosophy. that’s beginning to warp how pop sound points to a whole new gen- cial genre. Alice Longyu Gao, an NYU more relatable than Selena Gomez’s music sounds. The world’s air of dis- eration of artists who are trying to alumna, has also declared she has come unsubstantiated bubblegum melodies. Email Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer tress calls for a change in the sounds capture what pop should sound like up with a new sound she’s christened The marketability of off-kilter talents at [email protected].

King Krule Falls Into Space on the Subway

By ALEXANDRA BENTZIEN moon, keeping watch over the wayward four songs on the album vibrate with ag- Staff Writer rambling on below. gression, void of the tender-is-the-night He paints portraits seen before, atmosphere colored on his most popular Why is King Krule screaming? That though the poetry is pared down to de- songs “Easy Easy” and “Baby Blue” from is, if he is screaming, what, when or for scribe only the essential emotions. At debut “6 Feet Beneath the Moon.” It’s whom is he crying out? 41 minutes, “Man Alive!” is consider- hard to get through this introduction, King Krule’s third studio album, ably shorter than King Krule’s previ- run wild with cynicism that’s maximized “Man Alive!,” is the artist’s latest exhi- ous two albums and favors repetitions by “Stoned Again,” a temper tantrum bition of turmoil and introspection. It of short phrases instead of lyrical nar- with lines mashed by rhyming “yuppie” unfolds in a sonic meditation on a future rative vignettes. with “puppy” and “lucky” with “yucky.” that has already arrived, bearing distort- His music resides in many genres, just The latter half of the album is far ed sounds of machinery, heartbeats of as he’s performed under a collection of more tranquil, a calm arriving with the digitalization and the reverberations of a eclectic names. King Krule, aka. Archy stripped-down oasis of “The Dream” distant galaxy. Marshall, began his music career as Zoo emphasizing the quiet side of loneliness. It’s an inventive soundscape already Kid and DJ JD Sports, later became Ed- With each passing song, King Krule familiar to fans. It is a mix of experimen- gar the Beatmaker, then the Breathtaker floats farther away from the realities tal elements that delve into a deep-root- (his current Instagram handle), before fi- of television broadcasts and commer- ed state of misery and disaffection that nally settling on King Krule, an abstract cialized supermarches and drifts into a seem to have molded themselves to King for the recurring themes of mistrust and sleepy, ethereal universe. “Perfecto Mis- Krule’s persona. The title itself is a des- disillusionment, which he summarized erable” beautifully captures a feeling of perate, final cry of someone on the verge in a 2013 interview as “aristocracy at gentleness as a futuristic lullaby whose of being swallowed by death or discon- the very bottom.” Similarly, his music main refrain is “You’re my everything.” tent or the TV set. But, there’s hope in is imprinted by a patchwork of clashing Energy fleets like the title of the penul- that assertive exclamation point, perhaps styles. Remnants of the Zoo Kid pop timate song — “Where are you going? / a defiant proof of survival in a world of up in references to animals (more so on The day’s about to end,” he croons, get- coldness and fear. 2017’s The Ooz) and childish rhymes. ting ready to disappear in an outro built The album is an ode to the alienated DJ JD Sports and Edgar the Beatmak- by vocoder, percussion and saxophone. marauder, a midnight travelogue for er sneak in on opener “Cellular” with So, why does King Krule scream, and an excursion deep into the metropole, electric beeps in tune with commentary sometimes whisper, and sometimes sing a favorite destination or rest stop for a on a world overrun by technology. King like his voice is the last lifeline to earth? wanderer crisscrossing a city in the ab- Krule remains a breathtaker on songs The answer is bound to vary with every sence of light. But, where does the night including “Slinky” and “Theme for the listen, though its an album best used as come from, and where does it live? King Cross,” packed with longing for an end an accompaniment for soul-searching Krule answers this question by recycling to loneliness. six feet beneath the moon. The album the well-worn imagery featured on his Jazz mingles with the 80s era of pop evokes an old soul feeling lost arranged first two albums: in the subway, under- that King Krule has turned anti with by the voice of a young rascal. ground, perpetually bright despite a lack heavy-handed bass patterns. Defiant, ALEX TRAN | WSN The lyrical styles of King Krule mix machinery with acoustic lyrics. King Krule’s third of day; in space, a landscape shimmering warbling guitar reverb conjures a warped Email Alexanda Bentzien studio album, “Man Alive!” is an encapsulation of the range of his musical inspirations with the unknown; under the light of the image of an underground room. The first at [email protected]. and talents. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 Washington Square News | Arts 7

A Seven-Year Journey to Neverland Gallatin Celebrates Black Artistry with ‘Say It Loud!’

By DESTINE MANSON at NYU with her poem “Home.” At the Staff Writer end of her poem, she reconciles which community failed to embrace her and At the tail end of Black Histo- her culture. “Home is not where I was ry Month, artists in Gallatin’s “Say raised, it is who I am despite.” It Loud!” showcase shared their art Unlike her fellow poets, Gallatin about the complexities of Black skin in first-year Ava Marshall preferred to sit a white world. Sponsored by the Galla- on stage. This did not detract from tin Offices of Student Affairs and Stu- her stage presence. Marshall deliv- dent Life, eight gifted poets and artists ered a heart-breaking tale about being brought the Jerry H. Labowitz Theatre mistaken as a male all of her life de- to life with a crowd of local supporters spite identifying as a woman. Gentle in and outside of the NYU community. Ramirez told a similar tale of mistak- The evening felt intimate in the dim en identity, drawing from their own lighting of the small theatre. Gallatin experience as a trans non-binary poet. Senior DJ Ryan Waller provided the “The most unprotected woman in audience with smooth beats and soul- America is the trans Black woman,” ful tracks to match the ambiance of the Ramirez said in their first poem, ignit- night. The MC of the night, Jayshawn ing snaps and reassuring “mmhmms” Lee, encouraged love and support from the audience. from the audience for those who took The room was warm with raw emo- the stage by chanting “say it loud!” The tion and support for the artists on energy spread throughout the room on stage. Notable moments throughout the cold, bitter Thursday evening. Lee the night included two short films has been very active in voicing the pow- produced by Gallatin students that er of words through his work as a stu- focused on the plight of Black women dent at NYU and beyond. Through- when it comes to their outward ap- out the night, audiences were able to pearance. One film made use of clips IMAGE COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES AND SAMANTHA FETNER The lost boys race up a slope behind Peter Pan, played by Yashua Mack. Benh Zeitlin’s “Wendy” gives a unique new look at the get a taste of the award-winning poet’s from the Oscar-winning short film classic Peter Pan story. skills in-between the announcements. “Hair Love” by Director Matthew A. The first poet to hit the stage was Cherry. Further noteworthy perfor- Gallatin Master’s first-year Mekleit mances included the effortless flow of and is literally called “mother” by the wanted to cast a child from the area Dix. Her poems silenced the crowd Jordan Dorsey, who approached the By KAYLEE DEFREITAS children. By transferring the role of where they were filming as he wanted with the assertiveness of her calming mic under the stage name Not Shake- Arts Editor mother from Wendy to this new crea- the character to be from this island of tone. The piece recalled the grief and speare, giving us a taste of her rap bars ture, Zeitlin aimed to portray moth- Neverland he was creating. He found heartache produced from the reckless over an instrumental beat. From a young age, director/writer erhood in a way that is not as weak the perfect Pan in Yashua Mack of disposal of Black bodies across this The night ended with Robert Gib- Benh Zeitlin and his sister Eliza were as the original. Antigua. Originally, he wasn’t going country. “If only for a moment here bons, the spotlight artist of the night. captivated by the tale of Peter Pan, a “Wendy” includes many themes of to audition Mack due to him being is our victory, moonshine dripping off Gibbons has been active in New York boy who would never grow up. the original and takes a much closer too young. But eventually, after seeing your skin,” Dix said. City’s poetry scene since arriving from “We were for some reason terrified look at them. One such theme is the him sneaking around the audition site She used her poetry to tell a story of Florida over 10 years ago. He is cur- of growing up our entire lives and Pe- idea of one person growing up while over and over, he decided to give Mack love and loss. Her poem was multi-fac- rently a Literature Professor at the City ter was the hero of defying this inev- another stays young. In the original a try. Zeitlin realized he was the per- eted, like the war going on in the minds College of New York. Accompanying itability that we all face,” Zeitlin said. story, this is seen at the very end with fect Pan during an acting game where of Black men across this country who him on stage was Tomas Gargano, a When beginning his seven-year Wendy as an adult and Peter staying a Mack had to protect his favorite tree have to live in fear of constantly being talented musician who has shared the journey in reimagining this story for boy. However, in the film, the theme is from the director. seen before they are heard. She spoke stage with legendary artists like Aretha a new audience, Zeitlin was drawn to given more time to be explored when “When he dropped into character it of Black men who are often too busy Franklin and Billie Holiday. Their dy- a line in the original novel: “the only Wendy’s twin brothers are separated was like, I just knew in an instant. It fighting the world’s perception of namic performance closed out a night ones who can fly are the gay, the in- and one is forced to grow older while was mind blowing,” Zeitlin said. “Just them to relish in the love that is present of laughs, quiet reflection and appreci- nocent and the heartless.” This quote the other stays youthful. incredibly gifted and naturally talent- in their lives. ation for Black artists. haunted him when he was younger Zeitlin developed this idea of loss ed. I’ll never forget that moment when Liberal Studies student Eleni Retta and he found this idea to be the perfect and how it coincides with growing he became the protector of this tree. It was next to take the stage, giving us a Email Destine Manson jumping-off point for “Wendy.” up during interviews he conducted was incredible.” glimpse into the future of Black artistry at [email protected]. “The heartless always stuck to me in the casting sessions, which, accord- Once all the pieces came together, like this is the only way to be truly ing to him, were vital to the forma- the film started shooting and Zeitlin’s free and be forever young is to be this tion of the film. creation came to life. Over the course person who is alone and doesn’t care “One thing we would ask everyone of shooting, the kids formed their own about anybody,” Zeitlin said. “We was ‘is there a moment in your life kind of pack which brought fantastic wanted to dig into this question like: is where you can track where your life wild energy to the set. Zeitlin stated there a way through being heartful that changed forever and where you feel like that the most joyful times were the is just as free and just as wild as blazing you grew up,’” Zeitlin said. “A lot of it opportunities he had to bond with the off on your own with nobody?” [the answers] was around a loss. Some- kids when they weren’t shooting. “Wendy” thus became a story fo- one who lost a brother or lost a moth- “We really became a family,” cused from the perspective of the tit- er young or something like that where Zeitlin said. “I just remember days ular character instead of Peter. This they never felt like they could quite after set playing in the ocean, play- reframing was a way for the Zeitlins reconnect to the same sort of joy.” ing in the pool and just getting to to shape the story and to reimagine When casting the film, Zeitlin be a kid with them was probably the the character of Wendy altogether. looked for raw talent in children who most joyful stuff.” This was something that Eliza Zeitlin had never acted or even considered Benh Zeitlin’s seven-year voyage to was passionate about since the way the acting before. When auditioning kids create “Wendy” is now at an end as the character was portrayed in the past was for the film, he took an unconvention- film premiered in January at Sundance always a point of contention for her. al approach. Instead of having them and has now been released in theaters. “I think that particularly for my come in and just read a scene from the With this film, Zeitlin brought his sister, who I wrote the film with, this script, he incorporated improvisation own fantastical style to a classic tale was always a very painful character to to see if they liked acting and to ob- to shape it into the Neverland both be sitting in her favorite story,” Zeitlin serve how they play naturally. he and his sister pictured as children. said. “To have in this great myth that Wendy and Peter are vital roles to The result is a visually stunning film says so much about freedom and wild- the film, so when casting those parts it that asks its audience to “sneak away” ness that girls are excluded from that.” was important that he found the per- and tries to stir the fire of adventure in So they took the character of Wen- fect pair. When Devin France came in, hearts both old and young. dy and gave her a chance to play and her pure excitement let him know that be a child rather than be forced into he had found Wendy. “Wendy” opened on February 28, 2020, the homemaker role that the original “Some kids smile because they are and is currently playing in theaters. puts her in. The maternal character is nervous but she smiled just out of sheer DESTINE MANSON | WSN a fish-like creature that inhabits the is- joy of getting to do this,” Zeitlin said. Email Kaylee DeFreitas Mekleit Dix, a first-year Master’s student in Gallatin, was one of many artists who performed during the school’s “Say It Loud!” showcase. Concluding Black History at [email protected]. land and has magical, glowing powers When it came to Peter Pan, Zeitlin Month, artists shared messages of unity and pride. 8 Washington Square News MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

[email protected] OPINION Edited by JUN SUNG

EDUCATION The Rural Public School Crisis

isolated areas where 20% of students ban and suburban students. the problems that urban and rural like internet access and mental health fall below the poverty line. For the While a spokeswoman from the schools face, rural schools also face resources, which demonstrates that past 17 years, schools have reported Education Department stated that many unique problems: higher trans- there is still a lot of work to be done. the percentage of students who qual- the Department has drafted plans to portation costs, more difficulty access- Every day that students at rural pub- ify for free and reduced lunch to the implement the change that would ing the internet, teacher shortages and lic schools have to go without adequate department in order to determine allow schools to continue reporting high turnover rates. resources and teachers have to spend their eligibility, rather than report- free-and-reduced-lunch data, restoring Rural schools desperately need in- their already-below-average salaries on ing census data. This is largely due to these funds is just the first step in tack- creased funding overall and policies basic classroom necessities, is another reports that census data often under- ling the rural public school crisis. that address their unique problems. day of injustice in the American pub- By HELEN WAJDA counts residents. Approximately 15 million students Many organizations are taking action lic school system. It’s time for the U.S. Deputy Opinion Editor In letters to state education leaders were enrolled in rural schools in 2018 to raise awareness about the plight Department of Education to truly take last week, though, the USDOE an- — constituting nearly 1 in 5 public of rural public schools like The Ru- steps towards providing rural schools In 2018, Keshia Speight, a third- nounced that census data would now school students in the United States ral School and Community Trust, a with the funding they need — a change grade teacher at a public school in ru- have to be used to determine school — but on average, rural schools receive nonprofit that focuses on advocating that starts with restoring funds that ral North Carolina, reported that most eligibility — a sudden change in en- only 17% of state education funding. for appropriate state educational pol- they’ve already been promised. years, she spends approximately $1,000 forcement that could cause many cash- Moreover, much of the research in icies and researching rural schools. of her $37,000 annual salary on class- strapped schools to lose funding that education focuses on urban schools. However, rural schools still struggle to Email Helen Wajda room supplies — including a printer they have already budgeted for. While there is some overlap between provide students with basic necessities at [email protected]. and ink cartridges, pencils and edu- The RLIS is the only federal- cational games. Her school no longer ly-funded program available for rural offers any after-school activities due schools, and many struggling schools to a lack of funding. The school also rely on the program to afford mental reported being unable to afford to hire health and guidance counselors, litera- a school psychologist and update their cy specialists, updated technology and security system in 2018. full-day kindergarten programs. These While this sounds like an extreme programs and resources are not frivo- example, thousands of public schools lous extras, but essential programs that across the country could (and have) every public school should provide. shared similar stories of severe un- In approximately 46% of U.S. house- der-resourcing. A 2018 survey by the holds with two parents and school-age Department of Federal Education children, both parents work full-time. found that 94% of teachers reported Full-day kindergarten not only eases using their own money to pay for class- financial burdens by saving guardians room supplies, and in 2017, a rural from having to arrange childcare, but Tennessee school district reported that it has been linked to improved literacy. three different counties were sharing Using technology in the classroom has one physics teacher. not only been linked to improved per- And yet, instead of increasing fund- formance across subjects, but teaching ing for public schools in America, students to use technology helps to lev- last week, the Department of Feder- el the playing field by ensuring that all al Education quietly implemented a students develop computer proficien- bookkeeping change that could take cy. The Institute of Medicine has found thousands of dollars in federal fund- that in-school counseling and mental ing away from more than 800 rural health services are essential for many schools — some of which are already students to excel academically. Cutting among the most under-resourced funds that keep these resources avail- in the country. able in rural schools only places more The Rural and Low-Income School barriers in the way of students who al- Program is a non-competitive feder- ready have limited access to advanced al assistance program that provides coursework, falling reading scores and funding to schools in geographically are less likely to attend college than ur- CHARLIE DODGE | WSN

CITY New York Is No “Sanctuary City”

Díaz-Cruz questioned them for it, and may in fact put immigrants in ICE has significantly stepped up violence and scare tactics as part pulling out a weapon as he stood just even greater danger. deportation operations since cities of their agenda. Now, the Trump steps away from them. ICE stated In response to sanctuary policies, like New York have passed sanctu- administration is planning to send they confronted the family this way the Trump administration is now ary policies. The agency has turned immigration SWAT teams to New because the New York City Police planning to deploy Border Patrol to working around the NYPD by York, increasing the likelihood of vi- Department released him from cus- SWAT teams to sanctuary cities and targeting suspected undocumented olent arrests and deportation. tody three days earlier without con- escalate arrest operations in order to immigrants on the streets, in court- Soon enough, “sanctuary cities” tacting ICE. The lack of communi- retaliate against city governments houses, in hospitals and in their own will be overrun by SWAT-like im- cation between the NYPD and ICE for not cooperating. Trump has ef- homes. Arrests for deportation have migration agents and deportations By ASHA RAMACHANDRAN was the result of New York City’s fectively waged war on sanctuary actually increased across the coun- and detentions will only continue Deputy Opinion Editor sanctuary policy, which prohibits cities and the greatest casualties will try and New York City has the high- to increase. Though Mayor de Bla- city agencies like the NYPD from be immigrants themselves. These est arrest rates as well as the largest sio loves to boast that New York is Last month, Erick Díaz-Cruz aiding federal deportation efforts. Border Control Tactical Units, ICE presence in the entire state. a “proud city of immigrants” and was shot in the face by an on-duty While the policy is well-inten- known as BORTAC, will be armed ICE is using increasingly unlaw- “the safest big city in America,” Immigration and Customs Enforce- tioned, it has led to ICE deploying with gear such as stun grenades and ful tactics to terrorize immigrant New York is not keeping immigrant ment agent in Brooklyn, New York, more aggressive tactics, confront- enhanced special forces-type train- communities with zero account- communities safe at all and they outside his own home. The 26 year ing suspected undocumented im- ing, including sniper certification. ability. Every year, Congress gives will only be put in more danger old was trying to protect his moth- migrants on the streets or in their Trained snipers who were formerly the Department of Homeland Se- with the federal government’s new- er’s boyfriend, who was confronted own homes without any oversight or involved in military operations in curity and ICE itself a blank check est escalations. by ICE agents after they refused accountability. The city’s sanctuary Iraq and Afghanistan are going to be of taxpayer money for immigration to identify themselves. The agents status does not do nearly enough deployed on the streets of New York enforcement without any oversight, Email Asha Ramachandran immediately became violent when to protect immigrant communities, to target immigrants. even as they use disproportionate at [email protected]. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 Washington Square News | Opinion 9

CRIME Don’t Try Children as Adults

role sentences for juveniles convicted of non-homicide offenses. As the Court slowly chips away at the unduly harsh punishments onto juveniles, it is crucial for legislators to expedite the process. In tandem with this ruling, nearly 200,000 juveniles enter the adult crimi- STAFF EDITORIAL nal justice system each year. On any giv- en day, some 4,500 children are housed By EMILY DAI in adult jails. Of those 4,500 children, Deputy Opinion Editor they are 36 times more likely to commit suicide than those in juvenile facilites. On Dec. 11 of last year, 18-year old They are at the highest risk of being The Slow Progress of the Tessa Majors was fatally stabbed while sexually assaulted while incarcerated. on an early evening walk through a Incarcerating youth has been shown to park near campus. Majors had recent- slow the natural process of aging out Plastic Bag Ban ly moved to New York from Char- of delinquency, exacerbate any existing lottesville, Virginia to start her first mental illness and diminish their future year at Barnard College. Days later, success in the labor market. Additional- a 13-year-old boy was arrested on ly, by being deprived of a primary edu- Yesterday, New York State’s ban on sin- it fails to do so because it doesn’t take into charges including felony murder. On cation — a factor shown to deter crime gle-use plastic bags officially went into effect. account the most basic problems related Feb. 15, a 14-year-old boy was arrest- — youth placed in adult prisons had It was implemented after the state legislature to the topic. ed and charged with two counts of 34% more rearrests. voted to include the ban in this year’s state The various loopholes in New York’s plas- second-degree murder, one account of The federal government has attempt- budget. New York is currently only the sec- tic bag ban show this. Plastic packaging used first-degree robbery and three counts ed to improve some of these factors by ond state to have a state-wide ban, as Califor- to wrap meat or wrap prepared food and for of second degree robbery. Two months recommending juveniles get education- nia implemented one in 2016. restaurant takeout are still allowed. Plastic after the high-profile murder, the third al, psychological and vocational services According to the Center for International bags that are meant for garments, newspapers suspect turned himself in to police on that only juvenile detention centers can Environmental Law, the constant use of plas- and garbage are allowed as well. Feb. 19, and was charged with felony provide. However, rather than provid- tics “leach toxic additives, such as through The law also permits the use of single-use murder and robbery in the first and sec- ing these essential services, some states domestic dust and from food packaging into paper bags but these have also been linked to ond degree. On the same day, the first have instead opted to ship their child food.” The CIEL also wrote that two-thirds significant environmental harm. Although two suspects were arraigned as adults detainee to other states. This rips these of plastics that have been produced remain paper bags are basically made from trees, re- in Manhattan Criminal Court. Both children away from their friends and in the environment in the form of nanopar- search from the Northern Ireland Assembly pleaded not guilty to a minimum sen- families, and may cause them to lose ac- ticles and microfibers. Removing even a small has found that creating a paper bag takes four tence of five years to life in prison. cess to their lawyers, leaving them even amount of these toxins from the everyday times the amount of energy it takes to create a Under New York State law, prose- more powerless. lives of New York residents is crucial to culti- plastic bag from oil. A recent study found that cutors have the discretion to try defen- We maintain a separate set of court- vating a safer and healthier environment. a paper bag would have to be reused at least dants as young as 14 as adults in certain rooms and laws for juveniles and adults Currently, plastic bags constitute approx- three times in order for its environmental im- cases of violent crimes. In this case, try- because we recognize, time and time imately 12% of plastic waste in America. It pact to equal that of a plastic bag used once. ing the young suspects in adult court again, the mental capabilities of these is estimated that Americans use 100 billion The fact that the ban doesn’t prohibit not only undermines the rehabilitative two groups are fundamentally differ- plastic bags a year, most of which are never thicker plastic bags is problematic as well. mission of the juvenile system, but it ent. Our wavering commitment to recycled. Banning plastic bags can help to While it includes bags that are less than ten will deprive them of the protections these principles by trying children as decrease this number. One study found that mils thick (a mil is one-thousandth of an usually offered in family court — these adults when we deem the crime hei- after California banned single-use plastic bags inch), the ban considers bags that are ten children usually receive longer sentenc- nous enough undermines the legiti- in 2016, the state experienced a 71.5% de- mils or thicker to be reusable, and allows re- es and harsher penalties. macy of our criminal justice system. crease in plastic bag consumption. This sharp tailers to hand these thicker plastic bags out In 2001, 13-year-old Lionel Tate was We should be striving for a society that decrease in plastic bag use shows that banning for free. However, organizations like Big Re- tried as an adult after murdering a six- builds bridges of opportunities for plastic bags can have a significant impact on use, Green Park Gardeners NYC and Food & year-old girl while allegedly imitating children, not burn them. It’s disturb- plastic consumption. Water Action have voiced concern over these professional wrestling moves. Tate was ing to witness our legal system — one Small efforts like the plastic bag ban are im- thicker bags, arguing that they are still plastic sentenced to life in prison without the that doesn’t trust children to vote, portant steps in dealing with environmental and as such, contribute to plastic consump- possibility of parole, making him the serve on a jury, get married or drive issues like climate change, especially consider- tion and are likely to worsen the problem, youngest person in American histo- and shield youth from getting sued ing the fact that New York State residents use rather than help. ry to receive the punishment. Similar and participating in the stock market 23 billion plastic bags annually — the U.S. It is important that New York is paying at- to the media frenzy around Majors’s — condemn those same children to be collectively uses 500 billion single-use bags. tention to the environmental crisis. But pass- killing, this story highlights a massive locked away for life. Decreasing plastic consumption through ing legislation that allows consumers to sim- shortcoming in our criminal justice — The untimely death of Tessa Majors these kinds of efforts is crucial to bettering ply change what kind of disposable bags they the legal construction of juvenile crime. is clearly a tragedy, and our communi- the everyday lives of residents. use — rather than banning disposable bags Allowing juveniles to be tried in adult ty suffered an immeasurable loss of the However, New York’s version of the plas- entirely — shows New York wants to look like courts is damaging to those children extinguishment of a soul too young. tic bag ban is not substantive environmental they care about the environment without ac- and undermines the mission of our But trying the young perpetrators for stewardship. While it seeks to tackle one of tually tackling the underlying problem of re- criminal justice system. her murder as adults is not justice. It’s the most important issues affecting residents, ducing waste and environmental impact. In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled crucial to keep the words given by the in Roper v. Simmons that children un- Neighborhood Defender Service in der the age of 18 are not eligible for the mind when we evaluate the best course death penalty. In Simmons, the justices of action to punish the perpetrators: crucially pointed out that “[a juvenile’s] “[He is] a 14-year-old child with no irresponsible conduct is not as morally criminal record or family court history. Email the Editorial Board at [email protected]. reprehensible as that of an adult.” As He should not be charged as an adult. juveniles struggle to define their identi- In our shared history, we have seen too CHAIR Jun Sung ty, there exists a greater possibility that often the impact of hasty condemna- CO-CHAIR Emily Dai, Gabby Lozano, Asha Ramachandran, Helen Wajda a minor’s character can be reformed tions of children. Let us take these past CHAIR EX OFFICIO Cole Stallone, Abby Hofstetter, through the justice system. The Court experiences as a warning and allow due Ronni Husmann, Paul Kim, Anna-Dmitry Muratova recognized the lessened culpability ju- process to play out in our young client’s veniles have as a result of their develop- case, so that justice can prevail.” ing brains five years later in Graham v. Florida, which banned life-without-pa- Email Emily Dai 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, MARCH 2, 2020

[email protected] SPORTS Edited by ARVIND SRIRAM NYU Men’s Basketball’s Disappointing End Is This the End

By KEVIN RYU Martinelli and the team believe their another teammate’s injury almost became While the returning players can look Staff Writer 8-17 record is not representative of their normal as the team’s roster dwindled forward to improving upon the team’s of Smart Sports talent; according to him, there certain- from 18 players to nine. record next season, Martinelli, who ended On Feb. 29, the loss against Brandeis ly were games that could have ended in “It was tough to be in that scenario his career with the loss against Brandies, University concluded a disappointing wins if a couple of possessions did not go where you’ve lost so many guys that it admits he would have liked to end his Commentary? 8-17 season for the men’s basketball team. awry. Their first loss against Brandeis was doesn’t feel strange to lose another one,” NYU career on a higher note. However, The team’s struggles were similar to last a one-point game with two minutes to go. Stern sophomore Cade Hoppe said. their record does not dictate how he will By BELA KIRPALANI season, as their 1-13 record in the Uni- They outplayed Washington University Even though their record might not look back upon this season. Editor-at-Large versity Athletic Association outshined in St. Louis, who is one of the best teams suggest so, the team is optimistic about “I wish that we could have won a cou- their 7-4 record against non-conference in their conference, 36-26 in the first half their potential for next season. Coach ple more games,” Martinelli said. “But Last week, ESPN announced that it was canceling opponents. In the UAA, NYU ranked only to lose by three. Nelson expects CAS junior and co-cap- even though we didn’t, I still think that “High Noon,” a studio talk show featuring two of ES- last in points scored and assists, second The team has also suffered from in- tain Bobby Hawkinson, who was re- the most important thing is the relation- PN’s smartest commentators, after less than two years. to last in points allowed and steals and juries to key players which have depleted covering from mono as the season went ships that I’ve established.” The company cited low viewership for the decision their opponents outscored NYU by 6.3 their backcourt and forced players to play underway, to continue on his improved — the show averaged 330,000 viewers in the first quarter points per game. out of position. The team’s two point performance from the second half of the Email Kevin Ryu of this year, down 3% from last year’s numbers, accord- “I think everybody’s upset,” SPS senior guards, SPS first-year Ephraim Reed and season into the next season. Others as- at [email protected]. ing to Sports Business Journal. The show’s final episode and co-captain Jimmy Martinelli said. CAS junior Seny Andreev, both suffered signed to unfamiliar roles and positions will air at the end of the month. “Nobody’s quit, nobody’s shown a lack season-ending injuries in the second and because of injuries have shown they can Hosted by sports journalists Bomani Jones and Pablo of effort. We have been in most of these the sixth games of the season respectively. step up when needed. S. Torre, “High Noon” tackled social issues and sports games. It’s just we haven’t been able to These injuries exhausted the Violets’ ca- For example, SPS junior Jaden Nar- in a way that was nuanced and unapologetic. Amid the pull it out in the end.” pabilities — which led to a physical disad- wal, who had missed the 2018-19 sea- NBA vs. China debacle, Torre suggested that the NBA Martinelli came in as a part of a 10-men vantage against their opponents. son from an ACL tear, stepped in as imported authoritarianism into the U.S. rather than ex- recruiting class during his first-year. Four “We haven’t had an opportunity, over point guard upon injuries to Andreev porting democracy to China. When it came to the rise years later, he leaves as the only player left the last three to four weeks, to even have and Reed, assuming more offensive and of analytics in the NBA, Jones sharply noted how the from the class. 10 healthy bodies in practice,” Head defensive duties. racist stereotypes in the STEM and business fields have “There were a lot of moving pieces, but Coach Dagan Nelson. “[That] makes it “I think that [Narwal] has done a really breached teams and their front offices. the core group that came to every work- very difficult, from a competitive stand- good job being the guy who every game ESPN has a litany of shows like “Get Up!,” “First out was always working their hardest in point and from a physicality standpoint, has the toughest matchup,” Hawkinson JAKE CAPRIOTTI | WSN Tandon senior Riley Demps dribbles Take” and “The Jump” that all discuss the same news practice, trying their best in the games,” to get guys used to getting hit and get- said. “I don’t think coming into the sea- the ball, looking for a chance to pass to death and regurgitate the same hot takes. At a certain Martinelli said. “That core group that we ting grabbed and getting slapped like son anyone would have thought he would during practice. The men’s basketball point, they’re just not hot anymore. have, we have an unbreakable bond. I hav- they do in a game.” have been the guy matched up on the oth- team ended a tough but rewarding Sports television has always thrived using a de- en’t felt that in years past.” For the healthy players, hearing of yet er team’s best players.” season. bate-like format, but it’s often the kind of debate that involves grown men yelling over each other about the greatest basketball player of all time. Jones, who has two masters in economics, and Torre, a Harvard graduate, attempted to break that mold with more thoughtful Men’s Volleyball Climbs to Division III Number One commentary and longer discussions that allow for more than just a viral sound byte. The show wasn’t perfect — By ARVIND SRIRAM Women’s Fencing Men’s Wrestling Men’s Track and Field sometimes it, too, fell into the trap of entertaining the Sports Editor On Saturday, Feb. 29, the women’s On Saturday, Feb. 29 and Sunday, On Saturday, Feb. 29 and Sunday, Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate. fencing team competed at the National March 1, the men’s wrestling team com- March 1, the men’s team competed in “High Noon” has also put two young men of color Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Women’s Fencing Associa- peted in the NCAA Northeast Regional the UAA Championship. On day one, front and center and gave them a platform that they The men’s volleyball team was ranked tion Championships at Drew University, Qualifier at Rhode Island College. On Liberal Studies first-year Kamden Mar- very much deserve. It is so rare that we are able to watch first in Division III on Tuesday, Feb. 25. finishing in second place overall. Stern day one, Liberal Studies first-years Tyler tin finished in fifth place in the 60-meter a Black man and a Filipino man on national televi- However, NYU finished the week with first-year Chiara Codazzi stood out, fin- Crew and Trent Furman, CAS seniors preliminaries and finished in sixth place in sion talk about the intersection of sports and culture, a 1-1 record. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the ishing in second place in foil. Evan Drill and Jack La Corte, Stern se- the 200-meter preliminaries, SPS senior and it is why losing “High Noon” is another blemish Violets swept Stevens Institute of Tech- The Violets compete on March 8, at nior Sean Lyons, CAS sophomore Izaake Julian Montilus and CAS first-year Da- on ESPN’s record. nology, winning 25-22, 25-18 and 25-23. the NCAA Regional Championships at Zuckerman and CAS junior Will Ort- vid Obwaya finished in fifth and eighth In recent months, we’ve seen ESPN’s priorities on Tied at 16, NYU went on a 3-0 run, ulti- Cornell University. man qualified for the semifinals for the place in 60-meter hurdles preliminaries, full display. The network just gave “First Take” person- mately winning the first set. In the second NCAA Northeast Regional Qualifier. CAS first-year Daniel Akande finished in ality and supreme talking head Stephen A. Smith a new set, the Violets jumped to an 11-3 lead, Men’s Tennis On day two, Drill, Zuckerman eighth place in the 400-meter preliminar- deal worth $8 million and splashed more cash to give winning by a comfortable margin. The The men’s tennis team opened their and LaCorte medaled in bronze in ies and CAS first-year Jon Diaz finished in House of Highlights founder Omar Raja the keys to third set, down 23-22, the Violets went season with a loss to Swarthmore College the 165-pound, 174-pound and the third place in the 800-meter preliminaries. its digital and social platforms. SportsCenter, ESPN’s on a 3-0 run to complete the sweep. Violet (6-3) on Saturday, Feb. 29. The Violets 197-pound bracket and Lyons medaled Martin, Montilus, Obwaya, Akande and flagship show which focuses on highlight-worthy plays, leaders included CAS seniors Evan Lind- stood out in doubles, winning two out of in gold in the 157-pound bracket. They Diaz all qualified for the finals. has been expanded, while the network’s hard news pro- ley with 13 kills, Matin Bikdeli with 42 as- the three matches. all qualified for the NCAA National On day two, CAS senior Benjamin gram, “Outside the Lines,” was demoted from a daily sists and Connor Keowen with eight digs. On Sunday, March 1, NYU lost to Championship. Overall, the Violets fin- Karam medaled in bronze in the one- 30-minute program to a one-hour weekly show. On Saturday, Feb. 29, the Violets suf- North Carolina Wesleyan College 7-2. ished in third place. mile run and CAS sophomore Owen “High Noon” was originally one hour long, and fered their first loss against St. John Fish- In singles, Yang (4-6, 6-1, 6-4) and CAS The Violets compete on March 13 for Mountford received a bronze medal in shown at noon Eastern time. The show was then moved er College. NYU won the first two sets senior Zeb Zheng (6-4, 6-4, 9-7) were the NCAA Division III National Cham- the shot put. Overall, NYU finished in down to 4 p.m. and cut to 30 minutes. On Mondays, it (25-22, 27-25), but lost the final three the only players on the team to win pionship in Cedar Rapids, IA. fifth place in the meet. airs on ESPN2 instead of ESPN to make room for more sets (27-25, 26-24, 19-17). In the third their matchups. Select members of the Violets compete SportsCenter content. According to data from show- set, tied at 25, the Cardinals scored two NYU faces Southern Virginia Univer- Women’s Track and Field on March 6 and March 7 at the All-At- buzzdaily.com, an average of 136,000 people watched straight points, winning their first set. In sity on March 7. On Saturday, Feb. 29 and Sunday, lantic Region Indoor Championships at “High Noon” (4 p.m.) in February compared to 160,000 the fourth set, tied 24-24, the Cardinals March 1, the women’s track and field Nazareth College. for “Highly Questionable” (4:30 p.m.), 225,000 for scored on two straight plays, securing the Women’s Tennis team competed in the UAA Champi- “Around the Horn” (5 p.m.), 347,000 for “First Take” victory. In the final set, the Violets and the On Sunday, March 1, the women’s onship. On day one, CAS junior Evelyn Swimming and Diving (10 a.m.) and 262,000 for “SportsCenter” (noon). Cardinals were tied at 17, but the Cardi- tennis team defeated North Carolina Nkanga and CAS first-year Isre’al Coner- The men’s and women’s swimming Before “High Noon” ever hit the air in 2018, Jones nals scored on two straight plays, complet- Wesleyan College 9-0. Standouts on the ly finished in first and second place in the and diving team competed in the NCAA was quoted in a piece by The Ringer saying, “If the first ing the 3-2 victory. Violet leaders included Violets team were the doubles pairing of 200-meter preliminaries. Both Nkanga Division III Northeast Regional Diving thing they say about our TV show is how smart it is, Lindley with 19 kills, Bikdeli with 50 as- Gallatin junior Kate Shaffer and Liberal and Conerly qualified for the finals, and Championships hosted by Springfield we’re all going to get fired.” sists and Keowen with 16 digs. Studies first-year Anastasiia Balyk, who Conerly’s performance in the 400-me- College on Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, I hope that someday, being a “smart” TV show The Violets return to action on March won their match 8-1. ter preliminaries (third place) resulted in Feb. 29. On the men’s team, Rory Meyers doesn’t mean that you won’t be around for long. 2 against North Central College. NYU faces Southern Virginia Univer- her qualifying for the 400-meter finals. sophomore Cole Vertin and CAS first- At the end of the day, “High Noon” brought value sity on March 7 Tandon graduate student Rebecca Ma- year Hunter Whitbeck, who finished in to the network. I’m afraid some people wish that sports Women’s Basketball cLeod (fifth place) also qualified for the fifth and sixth place on the three-meter existed in a vacuum free of the social and political issues The women’s basketball team defeated Baseball 800-meter finals. board, qualified for the National Cham- that are pervasive in society. That’s simply not true and Brandeis University (91-73) on Satur- The baseball team opened their season On day two, Nkanga medaled in gold pionship. On the women’s team, CAS Jones and Torre know it. It remains to be seen where day, Feb. 29. The Violets dominated on on Sunday, March 1 with a 6-2 victory in the 200-meter finals. Conerly medaled senior Carmen White qualified for the Jones and Torre’s talents will take them next, but I hope offense, shooting 45.7% from the field. against Roger Williams University. Vio- in gold in the 400-meter finals. Steinhardt National Championship, finishing in that they are given more opportunities to push bound- Steinhardt junior Janean Cuffee led the let leaders included Tait and Stern senior first-year Siena Moran medaled in bronze fourth place on the one-meter board. aries and continue the important conversations they Violets with 31 points, Steinhardt first- Ford Ladd led the team with two hits in the mile run. Overall, NYU finished in The Violets return to action on March started at ESPN. year Jenny Walker led with 10 rebounds apiece and SPS junior and starting pitcher sixth place in the meet. 18, competing in the NCAA Champion- and CAS senior Annie Barrett led Gabe Golob received the victory, throw- Select members of the Violets will ship in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Sports Girl is a weekly column that features a with 10 assists. ing seven innings, allowing only one run. compete on March 6 and March 7 at the girl’s take on sports. Yes, a girl. Yes, on sports. The Violets finish the regular season NYU faces William Paterson Univer- All-Atlantic Region Indoor Champion- Email Arvind Sriram with a 20-5 record. sity on March 5. ships at Nazareth College. at [email protected]. Email Bela Kirpalani at [email protected]. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020 Washington Square News 11

[email protected] UNDER THE ARCH Edited by GURU RAMANATHAN Letters to the Graduate, From the Graduating An attempt to wrap your head around what the f-ck has just happened to you

By MAXINE FLASHER-DUZGUNES Voices Editor

Graduating...

_is like breaking up with the person you lit candles for, bought roses for, made mixtapes for, like blacking out the best parts of a love letter

_is like skydiving off a cliff face you carved with your own hands, but at the moment of surrender searching your bag for that one last spurt of Albuterol

_is like purchasing a one-way plane flight but then chickening out at the last minute and selecting “round-trip”

_is like applying makeup in front of a mirror you cracked, foundation still swirled in unblended brushstroke circles upon leaving

_is like finally learning how to tie your shoes without the bunny ears

_is like revamping your seven-year-old bedroom stationary store with a JULIA HOPE RIGUERRA | WSN trendy new social media account

_is like overcounting the stars and then realizing there really are that many stars, because it’s New York City

_is like finally learning how to transfer calls on banana phones

_is like watching rain drip down the rims of your glasses

_is like tasting bittersweetness on the eraser head of your pencil, even the cuff of the cashmere sweater you occasionally bite

_is like spending three years telling someone how to put on a pair of head- phones, only to be dumbfounded when they decide to use a bluetooth speaker instead

_is like having someone hack your Spotify playlist, but not caring because you still listen anyway

_is like ending a conversation after giving someone directions, telling them to chill out, whispering a secret in their ear

_is like knowing you would be stood up, but going to the restaurant anyway to chat with your waitress over a glass of sherry and a plate of dungeness crab cakes

_is like calling out sick, and instead becoming an ever-so-sweet couch potato

_is like a cliché — your last performance, your last shared dormitory, your last extra credit, your last free gym membership, your last free trip to the Rubin Museum, your last free print, your last coffee at Peet’s, your last chat with the security desk, your last shop on Albert, your last excuse not to explain yourself to other people

Email Maxine Flasher-Duzgunes at [email protected].

JULIA HOPE RIGUERRA | WSN WATCH VIDEO HERE:

CHARLIE DODGE | WSN Washington Square News Staff

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CORRECTIONS: WSN is committed Opinion Page to accurate reporting. When we make EDITOR Jun Sung errors, we do our best to correct them DEPUTY Emily Dai, as quickly as possible. If you believe we Gabby Lozano, have erred, contact the managing editors Asha Ramachandran, at [email protected]. Helen Wajda OFF-THIRD Noah Friend Interested in working for us? Come to our Sunday pitch meetings.

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