As an international community that values freedom of expression and basic human rights, we mourn the tragic violence in Iran in the aftermath of the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini’s death and subsequent protests are part of a long history of women’s struggle against Iran’s gender apartheid regime. As far back as the establishment of the regime in 1979 through more recent protests in 2017, 2018 and today, Iranian women have faced violence and torture in the fight for their human rights. Unlike those more distant struggles, today’s fight has inspired varied groups across Iran as the world watches.
Please know that we are here to support you. Counseling resources are available for students through USC Counseling and Mental Health and for faculty at the WorkWell Center. If you are concerned about the well-being of a student, staff or faculty member, please let us know through Trojans Care 4 Trojans and for pastoral care and spiritual counseling, please call the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at (213) 740-6110.
–Christopher Manning, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer