Students protest at Tehran University

Posted on October 08, 2009 by Erin Majerowicz

Hundreds of students at Tehran University assembled to protest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his government on Monday, Sept. 28.  Ahmadinejad did not show up for his scheduled appearance at Tehran University and no explanation was given for his absence, according to nytimes.com.

Students chanted slogans including "Death to dictator!" and "Ahmadi, Ahmadi, this is the last message, the green movement is ready for uprising!" according to the nytimes.com.

Demonstrators called for the release of detained students and for the newly elected government to resign, according to a Reuters article.

"It's a shame that students and faculty are getting arrested for a peaceful protest.  We're fortunate to have the freedom of peaceful assembly and petition," junior Kelly Wiencek said.

On Sept. 29, over 1,000 students protested the visit of Tehran University of Minister of Science and Higher Education Kamran Daneshjoo, according to nytimes.com.

"The Office for Consolidating Unity...issued a statement on [Sept. 29] saying that the protest movement was a result of years of frustration with the government and that the students would remain part of it. The statement urged students to refrain from violence and to pursue their demands in a ‘peaceful and civil' manner," according to nytimes.com.

Vice President and Dean for Student Development John Eccles said he does not agree with the decision to persecute these students.

"I respect the people of Iran and support the basic human rights related to freedom which includes freedom of speech.  It is sad to see them persecuted for their action.  But I believe in the power of freedom and how it can transform a society," Eccles said in an e-mail.

Lynchburg College has not had any demonstrations in recent years, but the school has guidelines in place in case one does occur.

"The general faculty, to whom the responsibility for the management of the academic program, student activities, and discipline is entrusted by the Board of Trustees, affirms and guarantees the following rights to all members of the student body:  1. The right to exercise freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of peaceful assembly and petition," according to The Hornet.

In most cases the involvement of LC's campus safety and security in the event of protest on campus would be the presence and monitoring of the assembly to assure that all college policies are followed, Director of Campus Safety and Security Bob Driskill said in an e-mail.

"I think peaceful protests are a part of the very foundation of our society.  Higher education should really be a marketplace of different ideas.  Sometimes a protest or assembly is the best way to get those ideas out," Eccles said.