Like many of you, I have been watching the news reports of the recent protests in Iran over the past couple of weeks, resulting from an alleged fatal beating of a woman, Mahsa Amini, by local police for breaking Iran’s strict rules on wearing the hijab. I am further saddened by the latest news, brought to my attention by a Salus student, and also reported in the news, that students at Sharif University of Technology were subjected to a police raid, arrests, and injured for protesting on Sunday. At a time when students, particularly women, are seeking education and preparing to lead, their voices are being stifled.
There are further claims in various news outlets that the Iranian government has shut down the internet and limited social media sites, making it difficult for citizens to communicate. I am aware that we have Salus students who are from Iran and/or have family there, making it difficult or impossible to communicate with loved ones to determine their safety and status in this unrest. Please know that you have the support, thoughts and prayers of our entire University Community during this unimaginable and difficult time. If more personal assistance is needed, please do not hesitate to reach out to our counselors at CPPD.
Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, MBA, FACHE, FAAO
President
