Bodily Search of Students at University of Science & Culture

HRANA News Agency – Following the implementation of gender segregation at universities throughout Iran, the entrances for male and female students at the University of Science & Culture in Tehran (USC) have been segregated, and female students have been subject to bodily searches.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), as the new school year began in Iran, USC female students were directed towards a canvas tarp hung at the entrance designated for them. Iran’s semi-secret police tasked to monitor all educational institutes, Herasat, was established behind this curtain to inspect female students’ clothing and makeup.

In an unprecedented act, USC Herasat subjected several female students to bodily searches and asked to see their student ID cards. University students who didn’t have their ID cards with them were denied attending classes at USC and sent home. Additionally, a number of other students were asked to present birth certificates or driving licenses. Faced with students objecting to being searched, USC Herasat cited a notice issued by the university officials authorizing the bodily search.

To increase pressure on university students, the number of female agents at USC has increased significantly. Although USC Herasat had in the past confronted students aggressively and insulted them for their attire, as a result of gender segregation, USC semi-secret police has begun a new phase of its operations.