Skip to Main Content
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

A large crowd of protestors at Washington Square Park holding up signs and Iranian flags. Some of the signs read “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM,” “FREE IRAN,” and “IRAN 2022 REVOLUTION NO ISLAMIC! TO REPUBLIC!”

Opinion: Islam didn’t start the Iranian protests

While there has been widespread support for Iranian women’s rights, the media has misinterpreted the true intentions of these protests.
Afnan Abbassi, Contributing Writer November 21, 2022

Following the murder of Mahsa Amini, protests rapidly spread across the globe from Washington Square Park to London. The attention that Iranian women have received in the media...

An illustration of a wooden box in a park. A pair of legs with blue jeans and black sneakers stands on top of the box. The box reads “W.S.N.”

The Soapbox: Qatar’s World Cup, Iranian intelligence, Russian wheat

The Soapbox is a weekly column by WSN’s news desk analyzing major developments in world news and rounding up the stories we think are worth the read this week. Global consciousness for a global university.
Tori Morales, Deputy News Editor November 18, 2022

In Qatar, years of World Cup controversy come to a head The World Cup, soccer’s biggest event, begins on Sunday amid continued controversy over the host country’s human rights...

The inside of a cafe with four people sitting at the bar counter. Above them is a chandelier with candle shaped light bulbs.

8 Iranian-owned businesses to support in NYC

Amid the women-led revolution in Iran, immerse yourself in Persian culture with this list of Iranian-owned restaurants, shops and services.
Roksaneh Salartash, Staff Writer November 16, 2022

You’ve seen Iran in the news, and are hopefully aware of the country’s current women-led revolution. However, if you are not familiar with our culture and traditions, look...

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 crowd of protesters standing in Washington Square Park at night. In the center front is a woman dressed in black with her eyes closed and hand raised.

Keeping Iranian culture alive at NYU amid protests

Members of NYU’s Iranian community emphasize the importance of preserving their roots and speaking out against injustice.
Roksaneh Salartash, Contributing Writer October 24, 2022

Iran, a country in the Middle East with a rich history and vibrant culture, is defined by its welcoming people and love of the arts. We were raised through the poetry of Hafez...

A female protester wearing a white shirt with text “WOMEN LIFE FREDDOM” cuts off her dark hair with a scissor.

At vigil for Mahsa Amini, Persian Society urges NYU to issue statement

Students and community members mourned the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and protested against the Iranian government during a vigil held in Washington Square Park on Sept. 29.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer October 3, 2022

Around 150 people gathered in Washington Square Park to mourn and protest the death of Mahsa Amini — a 22-year-old woman who died after being detained by Iran’s morality...

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...