From the President
Standing in Solidarity With Iranian Women and Protesters
Dec. 7, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
I want to add my voice to those around the world who are demanding equal rights, representation and freedom of choice for Iranian women.
As many of you know, protesters in Iran and elsewhere have been chanting “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” – “Women, Life, Freedom” – to express their solidarity and outrage after the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Iran’s “morality police” for supposedly violating a law requiring women to cover their hair in public.
This is an issue of global concern that has moved many here in Silicon Valley, home to a large and diverse community of Iranians and Iranian Americans. On campus, members of our faculty, classified professional staff and student body learned more about the Iranian protest movement by attending the Nov. 16 event hosted by our Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action and the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education.
De Anza’s Equity Action Council recently discussed a resolution in support of Iranian women and students, and will soon be seeking email approval of a version incorporating feedback. The Academic Senate this week voted to approve a similar resolution expressing solidarity with the Iranian students, women and girls who are demanding human rights, justice and freedom.
I encourage each of you to learn more about this important issue by exploring the excellent online guide prepared by our Library, which includes articles, videos and links to a variety of additional resources on the topic.
With appreciation,
Lloyd