“Education Under Fire”—a call for further action
On Monday, March 25, UPEI students-Sara Ashnaei, Honeylyn T. Gubalane, Bita Saffary, and Yuki Lee-organized a film showing of 'Education Under Fire,' a documentary on the decades-long persecution endured by Iran's Bahá'í which featured interviews with members of the community and human rights activists. Members of the university community and the general public attended to show support for education equality.
Sara and Honeylyn welcomed the crowd and introduced the international campaign addressing the Iranian government's continued denial of the right to higher education to its citizens. A brief overview was given in relation to how the Iranian government systematically excludes individuals from pursuing their education as a form of punishment for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
UPEI's Dean of Education Dr. Miles Turnbull spoke and emphasized Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which confirms that everyone has the right to education and education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial, or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
'UPEI must advocate for, and speak out against, violations of the UN's Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Women and children, especially, are being denied access to education in many parts of the world and for many different reasons including gender and religion. This is just plain wrong.'
The documentary's compelling story of the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) also depicted rare historical footage. Parisa B. who is a former BIHE student also shared her story to support the campaign of 'Education Under Fire,' as it is vital for the academic community and universities across Canada to be aware of the Iranian government's actions.
The event ended with hopes that the Canadian government will continue to take immediate steps to end all efforts to deny Iranian citizens, of whatever background and religion, access to higher education and to allow members of the Bahá'í community, and any others so deprived, the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that will allow them to contribute more fully to the betterment of Iran and the world.
The event was sponsored by UPEI's Faculty of Education. UPEI professors, students, and members of Canada's academic community are invited to add their names to the open letter to the Iranian government. If you wish to add your name, please send an email with your name, title, and affiliation to gfilson@cdnbnc.org.
View the open letter by visiting http://educationunderfire.com/Open-Letter-from-Canadian-Academics.pdf
