In support of freedom in Iran
October 17, 2022
The following message was sent to Faculty of Applied Science students, faculty and staff on Friday, October 14.
Dear Applied Science community,
We continue to watch incredible scenes from Iran as citizens there demonstrate against the government.
Two weeks ago, UBC was among the first to publish a statement regarding the escalating situation, and International Student Advising reached out to Iranian students to share counseling and mental health resources. The statement, and the offer of assistance, most certainly continue to stand.
The Faculty of Applied Science is privileged to count many Iranian students and faculty members among our community. Many who now study and work at UBC also have connections to Sharif University of Technology – the site of high-profile demonstrations and violent crackdowns in the past few weeks.
The Faculty stands with everyone at UBC in support of the courageous women of Iran, and all who seek to protect their human rights and freedoms and stand up against repression and discrimination. Peaceful protests are at the heart of advocating for human rights and freedoms, and UBC echoes the message of bringing an end to violence and oppression against women.
We acknowledge the trauma and distress that members of our community may be experiencing in response to the situation in Iran. To this end, a variety of health and wellbeing resources, services and programming is also available to members of the UBC community:
Academic support is also available to students, and instructors are asked to be flexible with providing academic concession.
UBC Vancouver
We encourage all students, faculty members and staff to broaden their sources of information and to take the initiative to learn more about the relevant social, political, and historical contexts surrounding these protests. UBC’s Associate Vice-President for Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Arig al Shaibah, has written an impactful statement to this end, which I encourage you to read.
The Faculty of Applied Science exists to create a fairer and more equitable world for all. In light of these demonstrations and crackdowns in Iran, I ask you to re-commit yourself to the grand challenge before us of eliminating inequity in all its forms.
James Olson PhD, FCAE, P.Eng.
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science
