Dear NYU Steinhardt Community,
Today, on International Day of the Girl, I write to share our sorrow and outrage at the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police for failing to meet the Islamic Regime's veiling standards.
Her death sparked protests across the country, and they continue to grow each day. Students at Iran’s universities are among those subjected to violence at the hands of riot police. The government is suppressing coverage of the protests as well as the voices of the people.
Women’s rights are human rights. We must hear their demands for change and support their efforts. As in so many other places where these rights of personal freedom and expression are under attack, we can also support local efforts to build more equitable laws and leadership.
Tomorrow, October 12, please join our community vigil to honor Amini as well as the countless brave women risking their lives in the movement for women’s rights and freedom worldwide. The vigil will take place from 5:00 to 5:30 EDT on the Kimmel steps.
The vigil will be held by NYU’s Center for Global Spiritual Life, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation, and the Student Government Assembly.
Sincerely,
Jack H. Knott, Dean
Gale and Ira Drukier Chair