HAIFA, Israel , 14 September 2007 (BWNS)--In the wake of new evidence that Iran has lied about its intention to allow Baha'i students into universities, the Universal House of Justice has sent a letter to Iranian Baha'i youth encouraging them to respond with composure, perseverance, and a redoubled commitment to work towards the common good in Iran.

The Universal House of Justice
Letter from Universal House of Justice
to Iranian students:
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Download PDF PERSIAN "With an illumined conscience, with a world-embracing vision, with no partisan political agenda, and with due regard for law and order, strive for the regeneration of your country. By your deeds and services, attract the hearts of those around you, even win the esteem of your avowed enemies," wrote the Baha'i international governing council in a letter dated 9 September 2007.

The letter comes after disclosures that indisputably reveal the double game being played by the Iranian government in the execution of its long-term plan to block the development of the Iranian Baha'i community.

A major element of that plan has been to prevent Baha'i youth from obtaining higher education. More than half of the Baha'i students in university last year have been expelled for no reason other than their religion. Recently, the Baha'i International Community disclosed the existence of a confidential government memorandum instructing Iranian universities to expel any student who is discovered to be a Baha'i, refuting statements by Iranian officials who say Baha'i students face no discrimination.

So far this year, more than 800 of the 1,050 Baha'is who sat for entrance examinations have not received their test results, allegedly because their files are "incomplete," even though Baha'is made every effort to comply with the application process. No explanation has been given to them as to how their applications were incomplete. Without the test results, the students have been unable to apply to university for the coming academic year.

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