Dear Arts and Letters Community,
Over the past two months, one of the largest women’s rights movements in history has been unfolding in Iran and around the world. Thousands of people have gathered in over 140 cities outside Iran and around the world to stand in solidarity with sustained nationwide protests in Iran following the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16, 2022, while in the custody of the country’s morality police for not wearing her hijab properly.
More than 300 people, including 40 children, have been killed and more than 14,000 have been arrested by the Iranian regime forces for taking part in peaceful protests. Among the detainees are hundreds of students, journalists, and activists. Students have been at the forefront of these protests and tragically, the violent response of the regime has spread to many high schools and universities.
These events are painful for our Iranian and Iranian-American students, faculty, and staff as well as others in our community. To be so far from family, friends, and loved ones during a time of such violence is heartbreaking. We stand in solidarity with our Iranian colleagues and with the Iranian people as they resist injustice and insist on free speech and women’s rights. Further, we condemn violence in all its destructive forms and commit ourselves to advancing gender equality and human rights in Iran and across the globe.
As we recognize the toll of this conflict, we would like to share supportive resources available at MSU including the Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for students and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees. Information on counseling, support, and educational groups can be found here.
In support of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, you may visit the Iranian students’ booth at the MSU Global Festival on Sunday, Nov. 13, between 1-5 p.m. at the MSU Union. There will also be a silent performance by a group of students and professors in front of Brody Hall this Thursday, Nov. 10, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
To learn more about the upcoming events for the movement, you may contact the MSU Iranian Students Association at RSO.Iranian@msu.edu or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
Sincerely,
Christopher P. Long
Dean, College of Arts & Letters
Dean, Honors College
