Background. The Baháʼí Faith, founded in 19th-century Persia emphasises the unity of humanity and the equality of men and women. Originating in Iran, the community has long faced hostility from the Shia clerical establishment with persecution severely intensifying after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, Baháʼís have experienced executions, arrests, property confiscations, and systematic discrimination in what has been a human rights catastrophe. A disgraceful longstanding policy by the Islamic regime has barred Baháʼí students from public universities, prompting the community to establish the informal Baháʼí Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), which has itself been subject to raids and arrests [1-4]. The community's resilience and continued patriotism in the face of uniquely cruel treatment by a regime that has victimised and violated the rights of all Iranians has been a source of inspiration since 1979.
Objectives. The aim of this initiative is to provide some measure of support to victims of Baháʼí persecution in Iran. Specifically, I offer the following services to affected individuals currently inside or outside of Iran who have been victims of the discriminatory and abusive educational policies of the Islamic Republic:
educational and career counselling
tailored strategic planning based on the individual needs and aspirations of the affected student
assistance in the design of lesson and study planning
private tutoring and lessons in areas of expertise
identification of opportunities for growth and further studies including overseas scholarships
tailored letters of recommendation and support to secure future placements and positions
All of these services will be provided for free regardless of the financial circumstances of the affected individuals. The confidentiality and privacy of beneficiaries will be respected at all times. Reference letters will highlight the unique challenges faced by the subject and emphasise their resilience and strength of character in addition to their individual academic potential.
Contact Details. If your education has been adversely affected by policies targeting the Baháʼí communities of Iran and would like to receive support please contact me at csm54@cam.ac.uk. Please provide some evidence of your circumstances. This may include but is not limited to official documents from university administration or coverage of your case in the press.