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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Sam Klein

Sam Klein, Managing Editor

Sam Klein is a junior majoring in journalism and environmental science. He is interested in sustainable, large-scale farming and fishing as well as global economic development in the agricultural sector; he also supports eating insects. Outside of WSN he runs on NYU's cross-country and track teams. During his free time he enjoys photography, traveling, coffee and being outdoors. You can check out his work at samklein.myportfolio.com or on instagram @samkleinphotography.

All content by Sam Klein
A student walks through NYU Abu Dhabi's campus. NYUAD is the last of NYU's campuses to remain open amid the outbreak of the coronavirus. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYUAD Students Confident in Campus’ Response to Coronavirus

March 23, 2020

A student walks through NYU Abu Dhabi's campus. NYUAD is the last of NYU's campuses to remain open amid the outbreak of the coronavirus. (Photo by Sam Klein)

How Winnie Xu Learned to Trust Her Instincts When ‘No One Tells You’

How Winnie Xu Learned to Trust Her Instincts When ‘No One Tells You’

The CAS senior is president of Two Birds One Stone, a student club that saves an average of 42 pounds of dining hall food per day.
Sam Klein, Managing Editor December 5, 2019

Winnie Xu is walking downtown on Bowery, just south of Houston Street, carrying an aluminum tray with meatballs from Third North oozing out the corners, when a man in loose gray...

The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)

The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)

In honor of the semester’s final Staff Rants, we have no theme — only pent-up rage.

On Free Space By Ishaan Parmar, Deputy News Editor Look, I get it. We’re all on the homework grind. CAS, Liberal Studies, Stern, Tisch — we all have homework, and none...

Staff Rants and Raves: Thanksgiving

Staff Rants and Raves: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a divisive holiday, to say the least. Here’s what our staff has to say about it.

Rants On Family Bonding By Alexandria Johnson, Deputy News Editor Don't get me wrong — I love Thanksgiving. I love waking up at 7 a.m. to cook food and eating it at the...

A student walks through the NYU Abu Dhabi Campus. NYU Abu Dhabi is planning to increase enrollment by 40%. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi To Increase Enrollment by 40%

Alexandria Johnson, Deputy News Editor November 26, 2019

A student walks through the NYU Abu Dhabi Campus. NYU Abu Dhabi is planning to increase enrollment by 40%. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Facilities

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Facilities

NYU owns a lot of property, from residence halls with no heat to libraries that block out the sun to dining halls that can’t pass inspections. Read what our staff has to say about NYU’s campus.

Rants On Being a Thirsty Gal By Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor Hydration is key, folks. But the architects of Bobst Library don't seem to understand this ethos, as they...

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Palladium might have a failing dining hall, but it’s not the only residence hall that has issues.

On Uninvited Guests By Calais Watkins, Dining Editor I only lived in NYU Housing for one brief, inglorious year — in Weinstein Residence Hall, to be specific. I expected...

CAS junior Isay Acenas visits a falcon hospital in the United Arab Emirates in January. Isay has done research in the UAE, studied in Sydney and Buenos Aires and will study in Madrid next spring. (Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

This Junior Feels a Weight on her Shoulders — But She’d Never Tell You

After securing a $10,000 research grant as a first-year, junior Isay Acenas has moved onto projects as wide-ranging as working in the Sydney Fish Market and in U.S. Foreign Aid. She’s also in the second of four consecutive semesters abroad.
Sam Klein, Managing Editor September 30, 2019

Isay Acenas doesn’t want to talk about the entrepreneurship program she started in the Philippines as a sophomore. She doesn’t want to talk about how she’s in Buenos Aires...

NYU President Andrew Hamilton speaks at a Fireside Chat event in Kimmel on Nov. 6, 2018. Hamilton announced at the event that NYU will open a new campus in Los Angeles.

Photo: NYU to Open Los Angeles Campus

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 6, 2018

NYU President Andrew Hamilton speaks at a Fireside Chat event in Kimmel on Nov. 6, 2018. Hamilton announced at the event that NYU will open a new campus in Los Angeles.

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Dining

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Dining

Lots of things related to food at NYU have changed recently. Hear what our staff has to say about it.

Rants On Serving Sizes By Alexandria Johnson, Deputy News Editor One thing I have noticed with Chartwells, the new dining provider, is that the serving size options have...

Four NYU political student groups debate in April 2018. The NYU College Democrats and NYU College Republicans have hired new executive boards and hope to coordinate more frequently this fall. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU Dems and Repubs to Coordinate, Debate More This Semester

September 12, 2019

Four NYU political student groups debate in April 2018. The NYU College Democrats and NYU College Republicans have hired new executive boards and hope to coordinate more frequently...

Nazzarine Waldon of NYU Women’s Volleyball spikes the ball against Hunter College. (Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Women’s Volleyball Picks up Three Wins, Now 6-1 on the Season

Benjamin Michael Davis, Deputy Sports Editor September 9, 2019

Nazzarine Waldon of NYU Women’s Volleyball spikes the ball against Hunter College. (Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

weeklyupdate_sam klien

Photo: 2019 Fall Sports Preview

Bela Kirpalani and Alana Beyer September 4, 2019

First-year Siena Moran has been the top NYU finisher at all three meets this fall, leading the Violets to a ninth-place regional ranking. (Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

NYU President Andrew Hamilton at his desk in his Bobst office. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Hamilton, in Interview With WSN, Says NYU Should Not Be Democratic

May 14, 2019

NYU President Andrew Hamilton at his desk in his Bobst office. (Photo by Sam Klein)

NYU President Andrew Hamilton in front of his office painting of university founder Albert Gallatin. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Excerpts From Andrew Hamilton’s Interview With Washington Square News

May 14, 2019

The window view of New York City from NYU President Andrew Hamilton's office. (Photo by Sam Klein)

This year's Moonlight Ball was hosted at the New York Public Library. (Photo by Akshay Prabhushankar)

Photo: Another Ball, Another Library

Ria Mittal, Staff Writer April 26, 2019

This year's Moonlight Ball was hosted at the New York Public Library. (Photo by Akshay Prabhushankar)

First-year Owen Mountford competes in the shotput in a meet on March 24. Mountford won the discus at the TCNJ Invitational Saturday with a mark of 41.32m. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU Track and Field Shine in New Jersey

April 7, 2019

First-year Owen Mountford competes in the shotput in a meet on March 24. Mountford won the discus at the TCNJ Invitational Saturday with a mark of 41.32m. (Photo by Sam Klein)

First-year James Haag (8) goes for a kill in a game against St. Joseph’s College (L.I.) on Saturday. NYU won the game in four sets, moving their record to 12-8 overall. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Softball Takes Care of Business in a Busy Week

Zach Han, Sports Editor March 31, 2019

First-year James Haag (8) goes for a kill in a game against St. Joseph’s College (L.I.) on Saturday. NYU won the game in four sets, moving their record to 12-8 overall. (Photo...

Director of the Veterans Future Lab James Hendon congratulates graduates of a 12-week entrepreneurship program. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

Photo: Veterans Graduate 12-Week Tandon Entrepreneurship Class

Victor Porcelli, News Editor March 28, 2019

Director of the Veterans Future Lab James Hendon congratulates graduates of a 12-week entrepreneurship program. (Photo by Victor Porcelli)

An Aramark truck in Tampa, Fla. NYU will not renew its contract with Aramark, according to multiple NYU Dining employees. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Aramark Will Not Be NYU’s Dining Service Provider After July, Employees Say

March 25, 2019

An Aramark truck in Tampa, Fla. NYU will not renew its contract with Aramark, according to multiple NYU Dining employees. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Chalk outlines on Washington Place memorialized the 108th anniversary of the Traingle Shirtwaist Factory fire on Monday. The fire was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: New Yorkers Gather to Memorialize Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Victims

Emily Mason, Staff Writer March 26, 2019

Many labor groups attended the memorial, and some of the speakers discussed the importance of unions and labor movements. (Photo by Sam Klein)

SPS junior Julian Montilus runs the 400m hurdles at the USF Bulls Invitational on Saturday. He placed sixth overall in the event. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Stern Junior Sets NCAA Swimming Record

March 25, 2019

SPS junior Julian Montilus runs the 400m hurdles at the USF Bulls Invitational on Saturday. He placed sixth overall in the event. (Photo by Sam Klein)

(Photo by Katie Peurrung, Design by Sophia Di Iorio)

Maame Boatemaa | The Solo Traveler

Sam Klein, Managing Editor March 14, 2019

LS sophomore Justin Chae's phone rings incessantly, and he curses liberally as he talks. Chae owns a political consulting firm and he participates in ROTC as well. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Justin Chae | The Fast-Talking, Fast-Walking Local Canvasser

Sakshi Venkatraman, Editor-in-Chief March 14, 2019

LS sophomore Justin Chae's phone rings incessantly, and he curses liberally as he talks. Chae owns a political consulting firm and he participates in ROTC as well. (Photo by Sam...

First-year John Gassler pitches in a game against SUNY Canton on March 11. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Women’s Golf Wins UAA Championship in Dramatic Fashion

Brendan Duggan, Sports Editor March 11, 2019

First-year John Gassler pitches in a game against SUNY Canton on March 11. (Photo by Sam Klein)

SPS senior Malcolm Montilus runs a 4x400-meter relay in January. Montilus qualified for NCAA Division III nationals. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Sports Weekly Update: Baseball Opens Its Season With a Dominant Performance

Zach Han, Sports Editor March 4, 2019

SPS senior Malcolm Montilus runs a 4x400-meter relay in January. Montilus qualified for NCAA Division III nationals. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus.(Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: What It Means for NYUAD to Be Fully Funded by the UAE

April 7, 2019

Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus.(Staff Photo by Sam Klein)

NYU Housing Options

NYU Housing Options

Sam Klein, Managing Editor February 21, 2019

(Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Housing Guide 2019

Pamela Jew, Under the Arch Managing Editor February 20, 2019

(Photo by Sam Klein)

CAS first-year Alex Casieri sets up for a 3-pointer during a game in December. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Men’s Basketball Comes From Behind Against Case

Zach Han, Sports Editor February 11, 2019

CAS first-year Alex Casieri sets up for a 3-pointer during a game in December. (Photo by Sam Klein)

A student walks through the NYU Abu Dhabi Campus. NYU spokesperson John Beckman recently made a statement regarding the campus, which has been at the center of controversy during its decade of existence.  (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU and professors butt heads over NYU Abu Dhabi

Meghna Maharishi, News Editor January 28, 2019

Construction on the NYU Abu Dhabi campus with the city skyline in the background. (Photo by Sam Klein)

(Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Influential 2018

Pamela Jew and Sayer Devlin December 6, 2018

(Photo by Sam Klein)

Tim Sebastian in a classroom in the Tisch building. Sebastian is the producer for Tisch New Theatre, most recently working on a production of “Next to Normal.” (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Tim Sebastian | The Man Behind the Spotlight

December 6, 2018

Tim Sebastian in a classroom in the Tisch building. Sebastian is the producer for Tisch New Theatre, most recently working on a production of “Next to Normal.” (Photo by Sam...

After injuring his foot tap dancing in his room, Mark Yokoyama put a Boba Guys sticker on his walking boot. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Mark Yokoyama | The Nuclear Reactor

Jemima McEvoy, Editor-in-Chief December 5, 2018

After injuring his foot tap dancing in his room, Mark Yokoyama put a Boba Guys sticker on his walking boot. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Junior Cameron Moore attempts a 3-pointer as time expires in a 69-66 loss to Rosemont College on Nov. 27. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Swimming and Diving Finish First Half of Season on a Strong Note

Brendan Duggan and Zach Han December 3, 2018

Junior Cameron Moore attempts a 3-pointer as time expires in a 69-66 loss to Rosemont College on Nov. 27. (Photo by Sam Klein)

WINTER WONDERLAND? Frigid weather hit Washington Square Park in early December as temperatures dropped into the 20s and a light dusting of snow covered the ground during mid-afternoon. It might have been the last time the park became a winter wonderland for a while, as park renovations lasting two to three years were to start in the following months.

Exposure | Winter on the Square

A chilly trip through WSN’s archives
Pamela Jew and Sam Klein November 26, 2018

Winter is met with chattering teeth and migration to warmer lands. But for over 40 years, WSN photographers have braved the New York winter winds in search of the quintessential...

Oscar Argemi Gonzalez takes a layup in a game against John Jay on Nov. 20, which NYU won. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Wrestling Tallies a Win Against a Ranked Opponent

Zach Han, Sports Editor November 26, 2018

Oscar Argemi Gonzalez takes a layup in a game against John Jay on Nov. 20, which NYU won. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Student Government Assembly Chairperson Jakiyah Bradley leads a November 2018 town hall on food insecurity. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Town Hall Highlights Few Resources for Food-Insecure International Students

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 20, 2018

Student Government Assembly Chairperson Jakiyah Bradley leads a November 2018 town hall on food insecurity. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Senior Ben Haderle competes at the NCAA National Championships in Oshkosh, WI in November 2018. Haderle finished fourth in the 1500m run at the Greyhound Invitational this past Saturday. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU Baseball Winning Streak Extends to Five

April 22, 2019

Senior Ben Haderle competes at the NCAA National Championships in Oshkosh, WI in November 2018. Haderle finished fourth in the 1500m run at the Greyhound Invitational this past...

NYU President Andrew Hamilton answers questions at a town hall in November regarding the Being@NYU survey results. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Being@NYU Town Hall Highlights: Faculty Want Money, Students Want Inclusivity

Victor Porcelli, Deputy News Editor November 14, 2018

Students line up to ask questions. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Senior Maddie Peña fights for a header in a win over Brandeis University on Nov. 3. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Women’s Volleyball Advance to the ECAC Semifinals Behind Strong Play

Zach Han, Sports Editor November 12, 2018

Senior Maddie Peña fights for a header in a win over Brandeis University on Nov. 3. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Students at a town hall discuss free speech on campus in the wake of Milo Yiannopoulos. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Liberal Studies Hosts Town Hall on Milo Yiannopoulos and Free Speech

Meghna Maharishi, Deputy News Editor November 8, 2018

Students at a town hall discuss free speech on campus in the wake of Milo Yiannopoulos. (Photo by Sam Klein)

NYU President Andrew Hamilton speaks at a "Fireside Chat" event. At his Presidential Welcome to the Class of 2023, Hamilton made alluded to a rivalry with Columbia University, which some first-years felt was unnecessary. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Hamilton Recaps NYU’s Progress in Science

May 9, 2019

NYU President Andrew Hamilton speaks at a "Fireside Chat" event. At his Presidential Welcome to the Class of 2023, Hamilton made alluded to a rivalry with Columbia University,...

NYU Swimmers during a meet on Oct. 6. First-year swimmer Graham Chatoor set conference and NYU records to earn national berths in the 1650-yard and 500-yard freestyle. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NYU Swimming and Diving Hires Former Violet as Coach

Zach Han, Sports Editor November 5, 2018

NYU Swimmers during a meet on Oct. 6. First-year swimmer Graham Chatoor set conference and NYU records to earn national berths in the 1650-yard and 500-yard freestyle. (Photo by...

Oliver Kleban forces his way around the opposing goalkeeper before scoring in the final minute of a 2018 game against Brandeis University. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Sophomore Soccer Star Shares His Insight on Success

September 9, 2019

Oliver Kleban forces his way around the opposing goalkeeper before scoring in the final minute of a 2018 game against Brandeis University. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Jermaine Haywood with his son, Jermaine Jr., after receiving his diploma through NYU's Prison Education Program. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Behind Bars, Three Men Graduate With Their NYU Degrees

Jermaine Haywood, Rakeem Golson and Isaac Ray graduated from NYU’s Prison Education Program on Monday.
Sam Klein, Managing Editor October 30, 2018
Jermaine Haywood, Rakeem Golson and Isaac Ray graduated from NYU’s Prison Education Program on Monday.
Tisch New Theater's production of "Next to Normal" opens Tuesday. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Backstage at Tisch’s ‘Next to Normal’

Lily Dolin, Staff Writer October 22, 2018

Tisch New Theater's production of "Next to Normal" opens Tuesday. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Nazzarine Waldon spikes the ball in a home win over Hunter College on the team’s Senior Day. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Weekly Update: NYU Swimming and Diving Impress at Home

Zach Han, Sports Editor October 22, 2018

Nazzarine Waldon spikes the ball in a home win over Hunter College on the team’s Senior Day. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Some students elect to use fake IDs for nights out before they turn 21. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Fake (ID) It ‘til You Make It

Matigan King, Contributing Writer October 19, 2018

Some students elect to use fake IDs for nights out before they turn 21. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Thomas Drake, who was indicted under the Espionage Act for disclosing classified documents in 2010, speaks at a panel discussion about whistleblowing at Gallatin on Thursday. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: NSA and CIA Whistleblowers Speak at Gallatin

Britney Omene, Contributing Writer October 18, 2018

Thomas Drake, who was indicted under the Espionage Act for disclosing classified documents in 2010, speaks at a panel discussion about whistleblowing at Gallatin on Thursday. (Photo...

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi addresses NYU students and community members at the Skirball Center on Monday. She spoke about the presence of women in politics, particularly young women. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Nancy Pelosi Discusses Female Empowerment at NYU

October 17, 2018

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi addresses NYU students and community members at the Skirball Center on Monday. She spoke about the presence of women in politics, particularly...

At Beauty Bar on 14th Street, you can get a drink and a manicure – at the same time. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Goodbye Midterms, Hello Manicures

Celina Khorma, Staff Writer October 15, 2018

At Beauty Bar on 14th Street, you can get a drink and a manicure – at the same time. (Photo by Sam Klein)

CAS sophomore Oliver Jacob was NYU's top finisher at the Metropolitan Championships on Oct. 12 at Van Cortlandt Park. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Men’s and Women’s Soccer Cap Strong Homestands

Brendan Duggan, Sports Editor October 15, 2018

CAS sophomore Oliver Jacob was NYU's top finisher at the Metropolitan Championships on Oct. 12 at Van Cortlandt Park. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Mark Miller, a professor in the Steinhardt College of Culture, Education and Human Development, is one of six plaintiffs who lost a suit regarding NYU retirement fund management. They are trying to get the suit reopened, alleging that the judge who made the ruling had a conflict of interest. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Judge Saved NYU $350 Million While Employed by University

Jared Peraglia, Deputy News Editor October 15, 2018

Mark Miller, a professor in the Steinhardt College of Culture, Education and Human Development, is one of six plaintiffs who lost a suit regarding NYU retirement fund management....

First-year Cole Vertin dives in a win against West Chester University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 6. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: Women’s Golf Now Ranks Fourth in the U.S.

October 9, 2018

First-year Cole Vertin dives in a win against West Chester University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 6. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Tisch sophomore Brian Cheng (left) and Stern junior Dani Velasquez (right) sit back-to-back illuminated by phone and laptop screens, respectively. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Photo: In the wake of tragedy, why does NYU keep ‘sweeping it under the rug?’

Pamela Jew, Under the Arch Managing Editor October 9, 2018

Tisch sophomore Brian Cheng (left) and Stern junior Dani Velasquez (right) sit back-to-back illuminated by phone and laptop screens, respectively. (Photo by Sam Klein)

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development participated in a summit to combat food waste on Oct. 3.

Photo: Activists Combat Global Food Waste at NYU

October 5, 2018

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development participated in a summit to combat food waste on Oct. 3.