Iranian Teachers Protest for Rights and Reforms on Teacher's Day

On Iranian Teacher's Day, teachers and educators staged protests in ten cities, including Tehran, Sanandaj, and Rasht.

They called for the release of imprisoned colleagues, free education for all, and an end to gender discrimination.

The Coordinating Council of Teachers' Unions had previously urged teachers to gather on May 2. 

Their resolution, published on Telegram, demanded the release of imprisoned educators and an end to practices like dismissals and electronic arrests targeting union activists.

Protesting teachers also demanded free education for all students, secure educational spaces, an end to the commodification and privatization of education, and the removal of gender bias and patriarchal views in textbooks.

They highlighted the negative impact of inflation and economic mismanagement on education, citing a decline in motivation among teachers and students.

The government's response to unionized workers and teachers has primarily involved arrests and interrogations. 

For instance, 17 Sanandaj teachers were reportedly summoned to the intelligence department the day before the protests.

The Iranian government has a long history of opposing independent union gatherings, permitting only government-affiliated groups or controlled meetings with officials.