The Board of Trustees of Azad Islamic University has introduced Farhad Rahbar (former president of Tehran University) as the proposed president of this university to the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council. Previously, Farhad Rahbar served as the secretary of the economic task force of Astan Quds Razavi and was a supporter of Ebrahim Raisi in the recent presidential elections. Additionally, during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency, he was active in the Economic Information Department of the Ministry of Intelligence. Critics of Farhad Rahbar's record during his six years as president of Tehran University under Ahmadinejad fear that Azad University may also experience restrictions on freedom of expression for professors in the humanities and social sciences. At the same time, some analysts believe that since student tuition fees support the financial foundation of Azad University, Farhad Rahbar may not be able to extend policies such as 'gender segregation' to this university. Radio Farda has sought the opinions of Mohammad Sadegh Javadi-Hesar, a member of the Central Council of the National Trust Party (in Mashhad), and Saeed Piyvandi, an expert in higher education in Iran and a sociology professor at Lorraine University (in Nancy, France), regarding the background and implications of Farhad Rahbar's appointment as the head of Azad Islamic University.
Farhad Rahbar's Leadership of Azad University: A Significant Shift or Simple Relocation?
Farhad Rahbar has been proposed as the new president of Azad University, raising concerns among critics about potential restrictions on academic freedom similar to those during his tenure at Tehran University. His previous political affiliations and roles suggest a continuation of conservative policies in higher education. This appointment is significant as it reflects ongoing tensions regarding academic freedom and governance in Iranian universities.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Farhad Rahbar has been proposed as the new president of Azad Islamic University, raising concerns about potential restrictions on academic freedom similar to those during his tenure at Tehran University. His appointment reflects ongoing tensions regarding governance in Iranian higher education.
- Rahbar previously served as president of Tehran University under Ahmadinejad.
- Critics fear his leadership may lead to restrictions on freedom of expression in the humanities and social sciences.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Azad Islamic University is a significant institution in Iran's higher education landscape, and leadership changes can signal shifts in policy and governance. The political affiliations of university leaders often influence academic environments.
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