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 Nicky Kashani
An illustration of Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi mounting a climbing wall. She has her black hair tied into a ponytail. She wears a white, red and green colored shirt — the colors of the Iranian flag. The back of her shirt reads “IRAN 009” and her left hand holds onto a blue boulder.

Guest Essay: The Islamic Republic’s mandatory rule limits its female athletes

Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi competed without a hijab, violating the Islamic Republic’s mandatory rule. What does that mean for other Iranian athletes?
Nicky Kashani, Guest Contributor November 2, 2022

On Oct. 16, Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi disobeyed the Islamic Republic’s restrictions on female athletes and competed in an international tournament in Seoul without wearing...

A pair of scissors and a string of black hair sit against white tiles.

Guest Essay: This isn’t the first time Iran has violated human rights.

The Islamic Republic’s current media blackout can’t hide the human rights violations that the Iranian people have endured for 43 years.
Nicky Kashani, Guest Writer September 29, 2022

As an Iranian raised in Tehran and now a graduate student living abroad, I consider myself fortunate to be able to share my thoughts and feelings about my country and raise awareness...