GSA Sabbatical Response to Iranian Protests

Dear students and colleagues,

The GSA is committed to the principles of equality and freedom for all people regardless of background. As a Sabbatical Officer team, we would like to express our grave concern for the unjust death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s Morality Police, and the persecution Iranian women are enduring for expressing their right to dress freely.

As a Students’ Union, we see the persecution of students and women anywhere as a problem for students and women everywhere; from Afghanistan to Iran and the U.S., we commend the bravery of students for defending their human rights against the imposition of patriarchal laws.

With protests in Iran now entering their second month, together with crackdowns leading to the killing of students – in particular, Nika Shakarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh – we acknowledge the deep emotional impact this is having on our University of York community.

As a member-led organisation, the GSA is keen to identify matters that are of concern to York postgraduates. We are here for support should you wish to campaign and raise awareness about issues affecting you. For those who feel emotionally impacted by the Iranian protests, support is available from the University; please contact:

Yours Sincerely,

GSA Sabbatical Officers Team

8th November 2022