Consequences of Ideological Education in Schools; Teachers: Students Are Not Interested in Subjects Like 'Religious Education'

As the official organs of the Islamic Republic intensify efforts to increase ideological, religious, and political education in educational institutions, reports from schools in Iran indicate that students are disinterested in subjects like 'religious education.' Narges Malekzadeh, a teacher in Tehran, stated to the 'Khabar Online' website that 'teaching students has become harder than before' and that 'students are not interested in subjects like religious education.' She explained that from the beginning, such subjects were not given importance in elementary school, and at older ages, 'acceptance of them is not possible for students,' who are more engaged with their own 'doubts.' Reza Naqizadeh, the head of the Higher Education Planning Office at the Ministry of Science of the Islamic Republic, announced on May 7 that planning had begun for 'reforming' university curricula in collaboration with 'over 7,000' faculty members. Narges Malekzadeh, referring to the nationwide protests last year following the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the Islamic Republic's 'morality police,' believes that now, unlike previous years, 'students are expressing their own opinions and no longer have the fear and anxiety of the past.' Reza Morad Sahraei, the Minister of Education of the Islamic Republic, announced on November 1, through a circular, that 'prayer time' is 'mandatory' in all schools and at all educational levels. A few days ago, the secretary of the collaboration committee between religious seminaries and education stated in an interview with 'ISNA' that the hiring of 3,000 male and female clerics as teachers was conducted 'on equal terms with other participants in the Ministry of Education's recruitment exam and without granting any special privileges to these clerics.' He added that the clerics collaborating with the ministry in the 'Amin' plan are also completely 'spontaneous' and 'jihadist' and are working in schools' educational affairs without receiving any financial assistance from the Ministry of Education. In this regard, Narges Malekzadeh, an activist in the field of education and teachers' rights, mentioned the 'Amin' plan, which involves the presence of representatives from the religious seminary and Al-Zahra University, stating that 'their presence as school staff is becoming normalized,' but 'their knowledge and awareness are mostly about religious sciences, and in terms of political issues, they are not strong individuals for engaging in discussions with students.' Malekzadeh described the clerics present in schools as 'individuals' who 'have a stance regarding students' views,' and according to her, 'students also have a stance regarding them.' During last year's nationwide protests, students and pupils played a prominent role in various cities across Iran. The significant presence of students and pupils in protest movements once again challenged the educational approaches within the Islamic Republic system, leading to intensified ideological considerations and even restrictions for students and pupils. The advisor to the Minister of Education stated that clerics are completely 'spontaneous' and 'jihadist' in their activities in schools. The decline of education in Iran; severe academic decline among students. A research report from an economic media outlet; 'Generation Z' has surpassed 'the brand of Iran.' One hundred thousand dangerous classrooms; the future of three and a half million students under unsafe roofs. The Ministry of Education and the 'Fashion and Clothing Task Force' have held discussions to promote hijab.