Student protests erupt in Iran over education policies, as regime resumes crackdowns

Student protests have reignited across Iran, focusing on the country's education policies and adjustments to university entrance requirements. Reports from Iranian media, social media, and human rights groups indicate that demonstrations have expanded significantly over the past week, occurring in numerous provinces including West Azarbaijan, Isfahan, and Tehran.

Students are reportedly critical of the Islamic regime's domestic management during the ongoing conflict. Many feel the impact of the war and the closure of academic facilities have not been adequately considered in final assessments or university entrance exams. A key demand is the cancellation of the fixed impact of 11th-grade GPA scores on the national university entrance exam, according to Iran International.

Beyond academic policies, students at Shahid Sadoughi Technical University have raised concerns about the quality of food and resources. Reports indicate 75 students were hospitalized after eating at the university, with the university president reportedly suggesting students eat elsewhere if dissatisfied with subsidized meals.

Furthermore, Iran's Shargh newspaper has reported that dozens of students have been suspended or expelled for their online activities, including profile content, private group messages, or reposting content on social networks. At Tehran's Sharif University, between five and seven students were expelled, and over 20 were suspended for one to three semesters. Kermanshah University also saw four students barred from campus for alleged "spreading lies" and organizing protests.

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Students at the Shahid Sadoughi Technical University have taken particular issue with the quality of food and resources being given to students. As reported by BBC Persian, 75 students were hospitalized after eating at the university last week. A student told the site that the university’s president told students to eat at restaurants if they were unhappy about the government’s subsidized 1,300 toman meals.