Concerts 'Independent' Banned at Universities

The Council for the Islamicization of Universities has declared a ban on 'independent music concerts and programs' at universities affiliated with the Ministry of Science. According to a report published by Khabar Online on Sunday, March 6, with the drafting of the music performance regulations in universities, only the use of what is termed 'noble and valuable Iranian music' is permitted alongside programs. Khabar Online reports that 'the leadership institution in universities' has approved this regulation, but according to the Tasnim news agency, this institution has stated in a statement that this regulation is a resolution of the 'Council for the Islamicization of Universities,' of which the leadership representation in universities is also a member. The regulation outlines six conditions for the use of what is termed 'noble and valuable Iranian music.' These conditions include that the music must 'strengthen national identity and be in accordance with Islamic standards,' 'possess guiding content and themes that encourage moral, social, political, and revolutionary duties,' and 'enhance scientific spirit, self-belief, and desire for progress.' Other conditions mentioned in this regulation include 'the use of reputable cultural figures and singers,' 'no engagement with emotions outside the norm, exciting and lustful stimuli specific to debauchery and amusement gatherings,' and 'being free from poetry and themes that promote immorality, despair, superficiality, and neglect of human dignity and servitude.' The regulation states that 'the main mission of the university is to produce and develop science, art, and the growth of moral and educational virtues,' emphasizing that 'the promotion of music is not considered a task of universities.' Over the past few years, music performances in university environments have faced numerous challenges, and some concerts have been canceled. However, currently, according to Khabar Online, Iranian universities have a regulation for how to deal with music. The site reports that in November of this year, the cultural deputy of the Ministry of Science stated regarding the news about the concert regulation in universities that 'the representative institution of the Supreme Leader in universities is responsible for this regulation, and we also participate.' According to Khabar Online, an important point is that this regulation places the responsibility for issuing permits and supervising music programs on the university's cultural council, suggesting that this council should form a music working group with the presence of the university president's representative, the representative of the leadership institution in the university, and if there is no representation in the university, a representative from the province, and one of the university professors selected by the cultural council. In this context, Article 4 of the regulation considers the execution of concerts and independent music programs to be outside the university's priorities and generally prohibits it. This regulation also bans music education at universities, allowing it only for students for whom music is part of their approved educational curriculum. Priority for music performances is given to student and university groups. Previously, the head of the representative institution of the Supreme Leader in Iranian universities announced in September that all universities in the country had been informed that 'they do not have the right to hold concerts in the university environment.' According to Mohammad Mohammadian, this institution does not consider holding music concerts in universities as part of the cultural policies of the Ministry of Science. It was said that the above directive relates back to Ayatollah Khamenei's stance against concerts in universities in July of this year. Ali Khamenei stated on July 20 during a meeting with a group of students that a student had pointed out to him that 'the university is not a place for concerts.' The Supreme Leader confirmed this view, stating, 'Taking students on mixed-gender trips or holding music concerts in universities to supposedly enliven the student environment is one of the most incorrect actions.' The cancellation of music concerts despite having permits from the Ministry of Culture, whether in some university environments or other venues, has been one of the problems for artists in recent years.