** updated on December 1, 2022 **
Systemic gender oppression and gendered violence continues to be a global phenomenon and critical social problem.
Our university is enhanced by its cultural and geographic diversity and our mission includes state, national, and global impacts. So, when international conflicts arise, they often hit close to home for those on our campus.
As many individuals across our University are aware, social unrest has continued across Iran following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, who died after being arrested and reportedly beaten by Iran’s morality police. Amini was taken into detention on Sept. 16, 2022, for not wearing her hijab according to the rules. As of October, at least 185 people have been confirmed killed and hundreds have been arrested and wounded in protests that erupted after Amini’s death. These tragedies have impacted those abroad, as well as members of our campus community.
There has been activity across our campus to support students, raise awareness, and share resources with U-M community members who may be directly affected by the events in Iran. We know from research that there can be indirect and vicarious impacts of community and state-sanctioned violence — to victims’ families and community members who are both close by or far away from the site of the violence, as well as to other allies and affiliates who understand or have experienced social oppression. The presence of, and tolerance for gendered violence in any place negatively impacts the health of our broader society and world.
On behalf of ODEI, we are sharing information and resources gathered from a variety of campus spaces, units, and sites that can support those impacted by the violence and unrest in Iran.
ODEI continues to affirm and support members of our Iranian community who are both globally and locally impacted by these horrific events. Our collective compassion and support in the face of adversity are essential to the well-being of individuals and of the University.
Statement from President Ono on the Iranian Situation
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – mental health professionals support individuals from a wide array of identities, including traditionally marginalized or disenfranchised groups. CAPS continually offers confidential, culturally-informed services and provides support for navigating national/world events impacting psychological well-being.
Dean of Students Office (DOS) – provides direct support and assistance to students who are encountering anything that is interrupting their Michigan experience, and can also make referrals to other services, including Campus Climate Support and restorative pathways through the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.
International Center – provides information and resources for international students, faculty, staff, and scholars regarding their immigration and visa-related needs and challenges and any travel-related concerns. 734-764-9310; [email protected]
Global Michigan – This site, under the office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, focuses on global engagement, including health and safety resources and support for U-M students traveling abroad.
National Iranian American Council – The National Iranian American Council provides a listing of scholarships offered by Iranian-American organizations.
Persian Students’ Association – The Persian Students Association is a non-partisan and non-religious volunteer student organization devoted to celebrating and raising awareness of the Persian culture around the University of Michigan campus.
Rackam Graduate School – Additional information for those impacted and interested in applying to the Rackam Graduate School.
Michigan Virtual Provost Scholars (MVPS) Program
The Michigan Virtual Provost Scholars Program is a new program, launched in May, which provides scholars around the world who have been displaced by natural disasters or war a U-M affiliation and online access to the rich research materials available through our libraries and collections as well as a connection to U-M researchers who have similar interests.
Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office
(734) 936-8660 or [email protected]
Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience
(734) 763-5409 or [email protected]