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

All content by Aarna Dixit
An illustration of a female with green eyes lays down on white bedding. There is a pink frame around the image.

Review: ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’ tackles love and loneliness

NYU alum Coco Mellors’ “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is a complex narrative of love, loss, trauma and companionship.
Aarna Dixit, Contributing Writer March 27, 2023

The recently released "Cleopatra and Frankenstein" by NYU alum Coco Mellor has taken social media by storm, particularly TikTok, where a hashtag for the book has garnered more...

Two people writing on a poster laid on the ground with text “ABORTION ACCESS DAY OF ACTION.” Around the poster are texts written on the ground with chalk, one block of text says “NYU PROVIDE ABORTION WITHOUT COST, QUESTION, OR DELAY!”

Opinion: It’s time to expand reproductive health care on campus

As reproductive justice advocacy surges on college campuses, the NYU administration should take action.
Aarna Dixit, Contributing Writer October 14, 2022

Barnard College officials just announced the college will expand reproductive health care and begin offering abortion pills on campus next year. After advocacy from student organizations,...

A hand holding a smartphone with the podcast “What is Good Sex @ NYU” playing on the screen, with the Washington Square Arch in the background.

NYU’s new sex-positive podcast tells you how to have ‘Good Sex @ NYU’

NYU’s Health Promotion Office dropped the first two episodes of its newest podcast, talking about what good sex means to the university community.
Aarna Dixit, Contributing Writer September 26, 2022

Growing up in India, I didn’t receive any sex education. Now, the world of sex and sexuality has been crucial to who I am today — I became a sex educator with Planned Parenthood...

A group of protesters in Foley Square at the Civic Center. On the right, a black banner with the names of trans people of color painted in white. In the center behind a row of people is a banner with blue, white and pink details. On the right, a lady stands with a trans flag tied around her shoulders like a cape.

Opinion: It’s time to give trans people respect, agency and autonomy

Transphobic bills have continued to pass through state legislatures, but American democracy should be protecting transgender people, not oppressing them.
Aarna Dixit, Staff Writer March 23, 2022

On March 1, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state officials to start handling certain medical treatments as child abuse crimes. These medical treatments include gender-affirming...

A picture of multiple women at a rally walking on the sidewalk on their way to Washington Square Park, holding posters with an orange background. The posters say in black bold letters: “Abortion on Demand & Without Apology!”

Opinion: It’s now or never for reproductive justice

Recent abortion restrictions and bans threaten reproductive rights — especially with the challenging of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The way to protect reproductive justice lies in intersectionality.
Aarna Dixit, Staff Writer March 10, 2022

In May 2021, a Mississippi law to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy was proposed — two months earlier than allowed by Roe v. Wade’s decision.  On Sept. 1, 2021,...

An illustrated headshot of Rhode Island state senator Tiara Mack. She is wearing a royal blue shirt and circular glasses, and stands in front of a light blue background.

Opinion: Why it’s important to teach sex ed through a pleasure perspective

Pleasure is glaringly absent from sex education curricula around the country. Educators should encourage healthy dialogues around sexual pleasure, not teach abstinence and stunt children’s sexual development.
Aarna Dixit, Staff Writer February 25, 2022

Sex education is crucial to building healthy relationships and social interactions, but our society often fails to provide comprehensive sex education. Nineteen states in the United...