Students' Letter to the Minister of Health; A Narrative of Suppression of Beliefs in Universities

A group of members from various Islamic associations, student councils, and student publications wrote a letter to Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, the new Minister of Health, urging him to open up the university environment. The letter reflects the students' efforts to overcome the atmosphere of repression and 'inquisition of beliefs' in universities. In the letter, students stated: 'What is referred to as 'citizens' rights' in all civilized societies has become a wish for medical students in the country.' The authors emphasized that 'the minimal rights of students are trampled in disciplinary committees, and on the other hand, all avenues for culture, thought, and demands have been closed to them.' The letter mentions that the government officials' view of cultural and social issues has turned 'the cultural space of universities into the least productive and least engaging environment.' It further states that 'in the past three years, it seems we have entered a cold, harsh, and exhausting winter for student organizations, such that from over 40 active student organizations, now less than 15 remain active.' The letter also informs the Minister of Health that the remaining organizations have faced severe restrictions over the years and are practically not allowed any activities. This letter indicates that students have been subjected to heavy penalties from university disciplinary committees and the Ministry of Health due to 'hostility,' 'personal vendettas,' and 'ideological confrontations.' The authors noted the consequences of this, stating: 'Some students have been banned from attending university for up to four semesters, exiled to other universities, or even expelled.' The newspaper Etemad also addressed this issue in its September 17 issue, questioning whether 'the President and his ministers' will abandon 'illegal and unconstitutional regulations' and return to limiting disciplinary committees to addressing 'educational violations.' Etemad criticized the current disciplinary regulations, stating that there are numerous flaws in the 'Student Disciplinary Regulations.' The article emphasized that some of the offenses defined in these regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the courts. It also pointed out the involvement of disciplinary committees in matters 'not related to them,' stating that handling offenses, whether in real or virtual spaces outside the university, falls under the jurisdiction of courts, not disciplinary committees. The students' request comes at a time when the university environment has become more security-oriented in recent years, with the expansion of the influence of the IRGC and Basij in universities, effectively removing many matters from the control of the government and universities. The collaboration of students and professors with the public during the nationwide protests of 2021 also led security agencies to intensify their repression within universities and exert more pressure on students. Matoureh Ghonei, a student deprived of education, stated: 'They made my life hell; they said I shouldn't stay in Iran.' The Coordinating Council of Cultural Teachers' Associations of Iran criticized the expansion of Basij's influence in the education system. Exclusive: Criticism of the scientific journal 'Nature's' article regarding the potential positive changes in the university environment in Iran during the medical period. The Administrative Justice Court rejected the appeal against the expulsion of Sahra Rezai, a journalism student. The disciplinary committee of Alzahra and Tehran universities sentenced two female students to deprivation of education. A group of students from Tehran Art University stated: 'The condemnation of Khashayar Safidi is a disregard for his citizenship rights.'