Teachers and Activists Criticize Kazemi’s Nomination for Ministry of Education

Union activists have criticized the nomination of Alireza Kazemi as the candidate for the Ministry of Education, questioning his suitability to secure a vote of confidence.

Alireza Kazemi holds a bachelor's degree in theology and Islamic studies from Razavi University of Islamic Sciences and has completed his seminary education up to level 3 at Mashhad Seminary. 

In 1992, Kazemi earned a bachelor's degree in English language and literature from Ferdowsi University and later obtained a master's degree in jurisprudence and fundamentals of law from Islamic Azad University, Mashhad branch. He has also served as a faculty member at Farhangian University.

Kazemi’s career includes a 17-month participation in the Iran-Iraq war. He has held various roles in educational and cultural leadership, including positions as vice president of secondary education, general director of culture and art, advisor to the Minister of Education, head of the student organization, and general director of education for Khorasan Razavi province.

Kazemi has also been involved in the anti-narcotics headquarters, serving as its deputy. During his three-month tenure as interim head of the Ministry of Education, he attempted to revise and complete textbooks to align with the values of "sacrifice and martyrdom." Kazemi said that he dedicated tens of hours to incorporating content on the hijab into textbooks, ensuring its inclusion in 11 textbooks and across 27 lesson titles.

A teacher from Alborz province criticized the choice of Kazemi, saying, "In a cabinet led by someone deeply committed to general policies and the leader's directives, it doesn't matter who the minister is." The teacher further argued that "when the anti-educational and anti-teacher policies of the 7th Development Plan are to be implemented, it makes no difference who holds the position of minister. The policies will remain unchanged regardless of the individual, as they all operate within the ideological framework of the ruling class."

He pointed out that "the real issue is the ideological control over society through the education system."

He emphasized the importance of an independent organization for teachers to effectively pursue their interests. According to him, "Teachers' interests can only be safeguarded through independent and sustained organization, where any minister, regardless of faction, knows they are dealing with a strong, organized force that demands accountability."

Fahimeh Tabatabaei, a journalist who previously interviewed Alireza Kazemi during his tenure as deputy at the Ministry of Education, voiced her concerns about his nomination for the ministry. In a post on her X account, she criticized the decision, stating, "You moved the entire Ministry of Education up and down to find Alireza Kazemi, the person responsible for the poor management... Good morning, Mr. President, good morning!"

Tabatabaei elaborated on her doubts about Kazemi's suitability, recounting her past experience with him. She noted that during her exclusive interview as a reporter for Hamshahri newspaper, the discussion centered on the rise of social harm, particularly the decreasing age of addiction among teenagers.

Despite the alarming trends, such as the average age of smoking dropping to 13, Kazemi denied any link between these issues and the education system. He claimed, "The cause of these harms should be found outside the school, and we neither have the statistics nor the capability to improve the situation."

Tabatabaei argued that schools play a crucial role alongside families in shaping young minds, pointing out that students spend an average of six hours per day in formal education from ages 7 to 18.

Narges Malekzadeh, a teacher and education expert, echoed these concerns in a piece published on Khabar Online. She noted that none of the political organizations of teachers, media activists, or cultural workers' unions have supported Kazemi's nomination. Teachers have expressed their opposition through various polls and online voting.