In this article, Amias Eleutheria explains the ongoing unjust and discriminatory expelling of Bahai students in Iran.
Everyone has the right to education, which is mentioned in the universal declaration of human rights. In Iran one religious community is not allowed to seek higher education. That community is the Bahai community. The Bahai community is trying to stay alive in the land where they had the same opportunities as the other citizens. Every year Bahai students are expelled from all across universities in Iran for being a Bahai.
We need some backstory for understanding the stately discrimination.
Bahai is a religion which started in Iran in the 19th century. They believe in one God and that everyone has the same rights as others. Bahais in Iran have been discriminated against since its creation. The discrimination was minute in the beginning but after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the discrimination became mainstream.
Bahais cannot not be open of their identity, if they are, they can be sent to prison or even executed. Bahais cannot own businesses and they cannot seek higher education. In 1981 supreme leader Khamenei passed a law that Bahais could not attend universities. In Iran, to have a successful career you need a university degree.
When students apply for universities, they have to fill a form where they identify their religion. On the form is listed the allowed religions in Iran – Shia Islam, Sunni Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. Bahai is not listed so Bahai students do not fill this question. If the student gets accepted to university, they must hide his or her identity from other students and teachers. Normally the school contacts the student for not filling the application and the student must answer their religion. Many of you would say they can just lie about their religion but Bahais are not allowed to lie about their faith. Bahai students tell their principal that they are Baha'is and it's wrong that they cannot attend university.
When students get expelled, they either stop their education or continue their studies for an organization that helps Bahai students to seek higher education. They have teachers tutoring the students on the internet. I will not name the organization because the Iranian government has arrested many of the teachers and students. For that reason, I will not name it.
This cycle of expelling Bahai students still continues to this day. The Crimes that the Islamic republic is doing to the Bahai citizens are not justified under the universal declaration of human rights. We should not let this go under the carpet.
Sources:
1. Iranian University Conceals Evidence of Expelling Baha’i Students for Religious Beliefs iran press watch
http://iranpresswatch.org/post/16821/iranian-university-conceals-evidence-of-expelling-bahai-students-for-religious-beliefs/
2. Student Expelled from University for Being Baha’i iran press watch
http://iranpresswatch.org/post/18610/student-expelled-university-bahai/
3.Bahá'í student expelled from Iranian university 'on grounds of religion the guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/27/bahai-student-expelled-iranian-university
Sources:
1. Iranian University Conceals Evidence of Expelling Baha’i Students for Religious Beliefs iran press watch
2. Student Expelled from University for Being Baha’i iran press watch
3.Bahá'í student expelled from Iranian university 'on grounds of religion the guardian
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