As a University committed to human dignity, freedom of speech and freedom of intellectual inquiry, we are proud to join in support and solidarity with the Iranians fighting for their fundamental rights.

Public demonstrations have cascaded across Iran’s streets and universities since the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the country’s morality police. The regime has responded using the typical blunt tools of tyranny – crackdowns, arrests and shootings of peaceful protesters. Reports suggest that thousands of Iranians have been arrested, and hundreds have been killed, including children.

Yet where oppression darkens, courage shines all the more brightly. So the University of Michigan will stand with people of Iran in their hour of need, and in their aspiration for fundamental rights and dignities.

We already have taken a number of steps in support of our Iranian students, staff and faculty. Most notably, our Rackham Graduate School has extended its deadlines for the submission of materials from prospective students at Iranian universities, is reviewing and approving late admissions requests from graduate programs on a case-by-case basis, and is making limited application fee waivers available to some applicants.

Enrolled students who have been directly affected and need assistance from the university can contact the International Center at icenter@umich.edu or 734-764-9310. The center has an emergency fund for financial support for unusual and unforeseen emergency expenses for U-M students, and has already provided some limited support for students and scholars. The Dean of Students Office also is available to individually support current students and help manage any disruptions to their Michigan experience. That office can be contacted by calling 734-764-7420 or emailing DeanofStudents@umich.edu.

In addition, the Provost’s Office has developed and launched the Michigan Virtual Provost Scholars program. MVPS is designed to support scholars who have been affected by wars or natural disasters by providing an affiliation with U-M and online access to the extensive research materials available through University of Michigan Libraries and Collections.