In an alarming shift, Iran’s current regime has intensified efforts to control its educational landscape, particularly targeting the country’s students and children.
This move has raised concerns internationally over the blatant curtailment of freedom and attempts at ideological indoctrination. The Iranian education system has long been a stage for political skirmishes. But the current regime is going beyond mere content control. Propaganda promoting extremist ideologies and quashing dissent is being introduced, hampering critical thinking and pushing students towards fundamentalism. Moreover, there is now widespread censorship in schools, restricting students to regime-approved content.
Outside of educational establishments, the situation is equally grim. Reports of human rights abuses, including arrests and torture of young dissenters, are making international headlines. The regime’s intrusion into student organizations further compounds the issue, leaving little room for democratic activism within university campuses.
The Minister of Education, Rezamorad Sahrai, recently announced sweeping changes to the educational sector. Within this year, 20,000 school principals have been replaced, and an additional 7,000 schools are on the list for a regime-defined “transformation.”
The Minister of Education, Rezamorad Sahrai, recently announced sweeping changes to the educational sector. Within this year, 20,000 school principals have been replaced.
It was approximately ten years ago when the concept of a “fundamental transformation of education” was introduced by the regime. The initiative aimed to align education with the government’s stringent ideological policies. Students are now expected to be familiar with concepts like “anti-arrogance” and “defending the values of the Islamic Revolution.”
While the regime claims success in its ideological efforts, a nationwide uprising in 2022, following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in regime custody, showcased strong opposition, especially from the young generation. These youths openly rejected the regime, leading to numerous arrests, especially of individuals under 18.
Sahrai has now specified that over 50 textbooks will see changes in the imminent school year. A close look at these revised textbooks reveals a clear intent: to transform educational establishments into political and ideological bastions. Themes range from endorsing child marriage to promoting enmity with the West.
Yusef Nouri, the previous Minister of Education, had flagged the revision of 200 textbooks based on the directives of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
The regime’s ambitions don’t stop at textbooks. Sahrai’s recent address to “revolutionary hard-core students” organizations emphasized the pivotal role they are expected to play in the regime’s broader goals.
This strategy, where students are used to further the regime’s aims, is in clear violation of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention, which protects children from political and religious exploitation, highlights a child’s right to freedom in speech and religion. As Iran’s regime deepens its claws in the education sector, the international community watches with trepidation, waiting to see how the next generation of Iranians will respond.
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