The protests persisted for several months, marked by hundreds of students being violently detained or barred from entering. Government security forces were reported to have attacked student dormitories at various universities on multiple occasions.
The protests persisted for several months, marked by hundreds of students being violently detained or barred from entering. Government security forces were reported to have attacked student dormitories at various universities on multiple occasions.
Beheshti University in Tehran announced on Jan. 15 that students with disciplinary convictions, including those penalized for offenses such as non-compliance with compulsory hijab laws and supporting the 2022 uprising, will be ineligible to pursue higher education through the Exceptional Talents program.
This decision appears to be part of measures aimed at restricting students involved in anti-regime activities, as university campuses have been witnessing widespread protests, sit-ins, and gatherings as part of the anti-regime movement.
Protests
The protests persisted for several months, marked by hundreds of students being violently detained or barred from entering. Government security forces were reported to have attacked student dormitories at various universities on multiple occasions.
Beheshti University has asserted its authority to take action against students with disciplinary convictions, even after enrollment or during study breaks, in accordance with regulations.
ISNA reported that Beheshti University’s decision aligns with the guidelines and regulations of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, as well as the executive directive approved by the Council of Exceptional Talents at Beheshti University of Tehran.
Confrontations
Recent reports have indicated ongoing confrontations with students, expulsions, and disciplinary committee sessions during the current academic year in Iran. Certain female students opposing compulsory hijab laws have received rulings that cancel their residence in dormitories.
Over the years, Iranian authorities have arrested student activists and leaders, imposing prison sentences and banning them from pursuing education.
According to the activist HRANA news agency, at least 700 university students have been arrested in nationwide protests triggered by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody for allegedly violating the country’s hijab rule.
In their X (formerly Twitter) account, United Students argue that the decision is “legitimizing illegal deprivation of education” and stress that such determinations are made independently by the university rather than the Exceptional Talents Organization.
Priorities
Amid a global health crisis heightening anxiety, there is a need to prioritize the mental health and well-being of international students and educators in the US, according to a joint report by the Institute of International Education and the AIFS Foundation.
Titled “Mental Health and Well-Being in International Education,” the research recommends mental health measures across all program aspects, including international students, host institutions, and program advisors and administrators.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the necessity of mental health support, leading to a widespread acknowledgment of “burnout” among students and administrators in U.S. higher education. The report signifies a pivotal point, suggesting an overhaul of support mechanisms within international education to prioritize mental health at all levels.
The IIE and AIFS Foundation report advocates for a paradigm shift, putting mental health and well-being at the core of an international student’s educational experience. It underscores the crucial role of education professionals in bolstering student mental health and also stimulates dialogue about equipping administrators with adequate resources to address these concerns effectively.
