Student Movement Is a Multidimensional Movement
At the ceremony commemorating Student Day, the Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution highlighted the multidimensional nature of the student movement and emphasized the importance of student teachers’ active engagement within a defensive movement across scientific, technological, and cultural domains.
According to the Public Relations Office of Farhangian University, Hojjatoleslam wal-Muslimin Abdolhossein Khosropanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, attended the Student Day commemoration ceremony held at Shahid Chamran Campus of Farhangian University in Tehran. While honoring the memory of the student martyrs of 16 Azar (Student Day), he stated that the student movement is inherently multidimensional.
Referring to the events of 16 Azar and the students’ uprising against the United States and global arrogance, Khosropanah noted that the narratives of Martyr Mostafa Chamran and Dr. Ali Shariati regarding this day are deeply moving and painful. He stressed that this uprising demonstrated how student identity, alongside academic learning, education, and skills development, finds its true meaning through the student movement. “The student movement is not merely political,” he said. “It also encompasses a defensive dimension.” He added that during the Sacred Defense, a large proportion of students were actively involved in the defensive movement, and today as well, students continue to contribute within this framework across scientific, technological, and cultural fields. Emphasizing its multidimensional character, he cautioned against any distortion of the student movement’s path or objectives.
Addressing the historical evolution of teacher education in Iran, Khosropanah underlined the importance of the continued mission of Farhangian University and its critical role in educating future-oriented student teachers who will shape the country’s future.
In response to statements and demands raised by representatives of student organizations, he acknowledged that the core concerns expressed were legitimate. Accordingly, he proposed that representatives be elected by students from all student organizations nationwide to form a Student Think Tank within Farhangian University, operating under the Council of the Teacher Education Headquarters. This think tank, he explained, should present its views on education and teacher training through reasoned and logical argumentation, thereby contributing to the establishment of a continuous decision-shaping structure.
He further noted that since assuming his role as Secretary of the Council, one of the main priorities has been the implementation of the Fundamental Reform Document of Education. He stated that numerous resolutions have been adopted in this regard, and that the document has now entered the implementation phase, adding that achieving even 20 percent progress represents a significant accomplishment.
Emphasizing responsible advocacy within existing capacities and conditions, Khosropanah stated that demands should be made with due consideration of national circumstances, while also acknowledging the steps already taken toward realizing the vision of Farhangian University.
Discussing educational justice, he explained that two fundamental questions arise in this area: the theoretical framework of educational justice and the model of governance for achieving it. He noted that theoretical responses to these questions have been formulated, and practical measures are currently underway to implement educational justice and expand Farhangian University, supported by a strong and serious commitment to this objective.
Khosropanah stressed that in the education system, governance must remain under the authority of the Ministry of Education, clarifying that the “popularization” of education does not equate to privatization. “Public participation is essential,” he said, “but governance and policymaking in education must remain firmly within the domain of the state.”
Referring to concerns over the shortage of dormitory space at Farhangian University, he described the construction of dormitories befitting student teachers as a crucial priority, expressing hope that this goal would be achieved through a combination of public and governmental funding.
Highlighting the importance of student organizations, the Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution emphasized that, provided ethical standards and rational discourse are observed, there should be no restrictions on political, cultural, social, or scientific activities. He added that student teachers must be provided with the necessary physical facilities and financial resources to support such activities.
In closing, Khosropanah underscored that all decisions of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution are made based on the views of scholars and experts, noting that resolutions are the result of extensive expert review and deliberation across multiple sessions.