Protests Against Gender Segregation in Zanjan University

HRANA News Agency – During the last few days, hundreds of students in Zanjan University have demonstrated against gender segregation imposed in the university cafeteria, buses and the Technical Engineering Library.

According to a report by Daneshjoo News, following recent demonstrations at Amir Kabir University, Kurdistan University, Shahrekord University and Yazd University, protests have broken out in various other colleges throughout Iran. On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, more than 500 students in Zanjan University demonstrated in front of the Mechanical Engineering building and shouted slogans against limitations imposed by the implementation of the gender segregation plan.

During these demonstrations, students voiced their objections to new gender segregation schemes imposed at the university cafeteria which was already divided into two sections separated by a glass wall. Students also protested against segregated university buses and pointed out that such a policy would result in more fuel consumption. Demanding an immediate halt to the implementation of gender segregation plan, students further objected to the limitations imposed at the Technical Engineering Library since last year.

Mr. Faraji, the representative of the Supreme Leader’s Office, appeared amongst the students and said, “It is our religious and moral duty to look into students’ objections.” He added, “It has been three years since government officials have been studying the gender segregation plan and have concluded that this policy benefits all students.”

In return, students asked the following questions from Mr. Faraji who refused to answer any of them:

* Gender segregation requires extra expenses. Why doesn’t the university spend this budget on students?
* Why is money wasted on gender segregation when officials claim that the university doesn’t have any money?
* Why can’t a student study with his spouse at the library?
* How does a purchase made by male and female students at the same counter cause problems or threaten our religion?
* Why aren't students allowed to study with a smart classmate from the opposite sex?

Mr. Faraji further explained that any changes to the gender segregation plan had to be postponed until the head of Zanjan University returned to the campus. Meanwhile, the implementation of gender segregation plan continues while the Chancellor is absent.

At the end of the demonstrations, students declared their intention to protest again next Sunday at 11:30am if gender segregation measures are not halted by Saturday when the Chancellor returns from his trip.