WHEREAS, Mahsa Amini died in Tehran police custody after being detained by the Guidance Patrol, also known as the Morality Police, for not wearing her hijab properly; and

WHEREAS, eyewitnesses report that during her detention, she was severely beaten by police in the police van; and

WHEREAS, in response to her death, protests have broken out across Iran led primarily by Iranian women and university students; and

WHEREAS, the government’s response to these protests has been violent, using tear gas and even live ammunition against protesters. Over 1,000 protesters have been arrested and dozens killed; and

WHEREAS, the women of Iran have not had autonomy in the decision to wear a hijab or not. The current regime has a compulsory veiling law in place and a Guidance Patrol to enforce it, the previous regime banned the wearing of hijab altogether; and

WHEREAS, the resolution is consistent with AFT policy and their current protest actions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the United Federation of Teachers stand in solidarity with the Iranian women and the students risking their lives protesting this breach of human rights; and be it further

RESOLVED, the UFT stands against laws and policies that require or ban the wearing of hijabs, and affirm that a woman should have the autonomy to practice her religion how she chooses; and be it further

RESOLVED, the UFT supports the United Nations request that the alleged torture of Mahsa Amini be investigated independently; and be it further

RESOLVED, the UFT hold a moment of silence for Mahsa Amini at the next Delegate Assembly.