Introduction of 'Hijab Patrol' in Universities; Tehran University Security Prevents Students from Entering with Scarves

Student news sources reported the establishment of 'Hijab Patrol' at Tehran University, requiring students to wear 'long manteaus and hijabs' down to 'below the knee.' The public relations channel of 'United Students' stated that on October 3, the security of Tehran University prevented students wearing scarves from entering through the main gate, announcing that students are 'obliged to wear hijabs and manteaus down to the knee' for entry. According to this student channel, 'Hijab Patrols have also started operating in the central area of Tehran University.' Meanwhile, a bill approved by the parliament titled 'Chastity and Hijab' emphasizes that a 'database of students' should be provided to the 'law enforcement' to identify individuals not adhering to hijab rules. In this context, on September 29, the latest 'executive guidelines for professional behavior and dress' for medical students and assistants for the academic year 1403-1402 were published. This guideline states that 'any short or tight clothing, open-front manteaus, silk, lace, or low-neck clothing that reveals the body is prohibited.' It also emphasizes that all hair and head must be covered with 'long hijabs (up to the shoulder) of appropriate thickness,' ensuring that the neck and collar areas are also covered. The use of thin and short scarves, shawls alone, or hair showing from the front or back of the hijab is also 'prohibited.' According to this guideline, 'nail extensions' and makeup that 'attracts attention' are also banned. Some universities have begun to obtain 'written commitments' with various clauses to impose the desired 'mandatory hijab.' The text of these commitments states that it is obvious that 'in case of non-compliance with the above items, according to the provisions of the Chastity and Hijab law, the university will deal with the offenders after informing their families.' The mentioned commitments include 'not using nail polish and cosmetics' and wearing clothing that 'is not tight' and covers all areas of the body 'including the ankles.' The Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education had previously announced in separate statements that they are 'unable to provide services to individuals who do not consider themselves obliged to comply with hijab laws' after the protests against mandatory hijab intensified following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of 'morality police.' In June of this year, Tehran Art University enforced the hijab requirement, which was met with student protests. In this regard, on June 27, as protests continued among students at Tehran Art University against the mandatory hijab, student councils across the country announced that 'a large number' of these students were arrested by plainclothes forces and taken to an unknown location. With the start of the academic year in universities, alongside the pursuit of the final approval of the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill, a security atmosphere has prevailed in educational environments. The intensification of security confrontations with students and professors coincides with the reopening of universities. Pressure on universities, ethical codes, and dormitory deprivation; students do not return from the path taken. Continuous membership of political figures in the Academy of Sciences; the newspaper 'Payam-e Ma': it is outside the rules. Warning about the emigration of elites; they say: this is what you see, you didn't want it, get your passport and go. Hacking of the Ministry of Science's website; hackers reported access to 20,000 documents. Gender segregation of medical students; from 'legal limits' for 'looking at non-mahrams' to the prohibition of perfume. Exclusive; a protesting student: the university has been under attack by repressive forces in the past year.