Letter to the Editor: Aggies should stand with Iranians fighting for women’s rights and human rights
In the past few days, the world has witnessed the recent uprisings in Iran, sparked after a 22-year-old girl, #MahsaAmini, died in the custody of the government’s so-called morality police. Since then, dozens of young Iranians, including several children, have been shot dead in the streets by the armed police force, and many more have been arrested while demanding their basic rights to freedom of dress and freedom of expression. The government has essentially shut down access to the internet to hide the violent crackdown of the protests. Yet, the harrowing images and videos shared on social media show protestors (or even passersby) continuing to be beaten or killed by the state’s armed forces.
In this unsettling and volatile situation, we ask that the Utah State community stand with the people of Iran and support the Iranian community here on campus and the larger Cache Valley. The Aggie family has a small but growing population of Iranian students, faculty, and staff who are being directly impacted by these unfolding tragedies.
Students are especially struggling to focus on schoolwork while following the news of the disturbing situation in Iran, and they are not doing OK. Many of them haven’t been able to reach their loved ones for days as a result of the internet blackout. Some have even had family members or friends arrested. These circumstances are taking a toll on everyone’s mental & emotional wellbeing, even if they don’t say it out loud. Instructors and advisors working with Iranian students in any capacity should be mindful of the distressing situation and be willing to offer appropriate accommodations when necessary. Being flexible, offering deadline extensions, and reaching out is a small step the Aggie community can take to help. We also encourage USU CAPS to offer additional services to Iranian students seeking counseling and mental health support during this time.
Finally, we ask everyone in the Aggie family, with any platform they have, to support the Iranian women fighting for their freedom of choice, and stand with all Iranians who are demanding their most basic human rights. Let’s stand together for “women, life, and freedom.” زن، زندگی، آزادی
-On behalf of Iranian faculty and students at USU
Afsane Rezaei is an assistant professor in the USU English department.
— a.rezaei@usu.edu