Iranian universities instructed to expel Baha'i students

The Baha’i International Community (BIC) said it has obtained a copy of a confidential letter from Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology that was sent to 81 universities and instructs administrators to expel Baha’i students, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Diane Alai, a BIC representative at the United Nations, said that more than half of Iran’s Baha’i university students enrolled last year have been expelled.

Alai said that, until recently, university entrance-exams forms required students to state their faith, prompting Baha’i followers to lie about their faith or forego university education. The Iranian government does not officially recognize the Baha’i faith.

But two years ago the forms were changed, and 200 Baha’is were able to enroll. However, 128 Baha’i students were expelled within a year. Alai said none of the expellees were involved in any kind of political activity.

In its press release, the BIC says the ministry’s letter contradicts assertions from Iranian officials who say Baha’i students face no discrimination and claims that Iran’s 300,000-member Baha’i community in general faces “physical and economic harassment” and other rights abuses.

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