Mandatory Hijab; Threatening Letters from 'Security' to Female Students at Allameh Tabatabai University

Student activists have reported an increase in security pressures on female students at universities in Iran. They say that following a wave of summons, suspensions, and expulsions of students, several female students at Allameh Tabatabai University have received 'undated and unnumbered letters from security.' These letters contain 'threats and intimidation' directed at students for not adhering to mandatory hijab regulations. The Telegram channel of the National Student Guilds reported that on Sunday, October 15, at least 20 female students from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Allameh Tabatabai University received letters from security personnel upon entering the faculty. These letters, written on official Allameh Tabatabai University letterhead, lack a letter number and date. The letters warn female students that they have not complied with 'dress regulations' and that if repeated, they will face 'disruptions in their educational programs.' With the start of the new academic year, universities have witnessed a new approach from the Ministry of Science in dealing with various issues, including hijab. Reports indicate that with the beginning of the academic year and the simultaneous pursuit of the final approval of the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill, a security atmosphere has dominated educational environments. The expulsion of 32,000 part-time faculty members from Azad University; 20,000 doctoral students were replaced. Over 50 Amir Kabir University students summoned to the disciplinary committee. A Ferdowsi University student was expelled after 'refusing to confess to his charges.' Tehran University confirmed the transfer of a student to a 'clinic' after a 'hijab warning'; the student fainted from 'stress.'