The president of Iran's Al-Zahra University has threatened legal action against a group of female students after video of them celebrating their graduation by dancing to music surfaced on social media.
The video, which garnerned widespread attention over the weekend, depicts architecture and engineering students marking the their matriculation by dancing with each other, even riding motorcycles, while still dressed in their graduation gowns and caps. In total, around eight to 10 students -- all female -- appear in the video.
🔸ویدئویی از جشن فارغ‌التحصیلی دانشجویان دانشگاه «الزهرا» در #بوشهر با استقبال گسترده کاربران شبکه‌های اجتماعی همراه شده است. در این ویدئو دختران دانشجو که از رشته مهندسی معماری فارغ‌التحصیل شده‌اند در حال شادی، رقص محلی و حتی موتورسواری با لباس‌های دانش‌آموختگی مشاهده می‌شوند.… pic.twitter.com/qKtl6FJ5Kq
— RadioFarda|راديو فردا (@RadioFarda_) April 7, 2024
Zahra Hajiani, the president of Al-Zahra University in the western port city of Bushehr, responded to the video by stating that the university's security department was investigating the event organized by students "spontaneously without coordination and obtaining permission from the university."
"This matter is being investigated by university security. The student who made this film has been identified and will be held accountable for this work," Hajiani said.
Hajiani said that no official graduation ceremonies had been held at the college since the COVID-19 pandemic due to financial constraints. She added that the clip circulating on social media was organized independently by a group of university graduates without the institution's approval or knowledge.
"The university had no involvement in the event's organization," Hajiani said.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between students and authorities over a lack of social freedoms and regulatory compliance in Iran, particularly concerning women's rights and the mandatory hijab policy.
The Islamic republic has faced significant challenges in enforcing its interpretation of religious dress codes in the face of civil opposition and protests advocating the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and greater autonomy over personal lifestyle choices.
The hijab became compulsory for women and girls above the age of 9 in 1981, two years after the Islamic Revolution. The move triggered protests that were swiftly crushed by the new authorities.
Many women have flouted the rule over the years and pushed the boundaries of what officials say is acceptable clothing.