How to Support CEAE Students/Faculty During the Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Iran — Feb. 18, 2026

We have a relatively large number of Iranian graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and scholars in our department as well as alumni, who are impacted by the current humanitarian crisis. These members of our community had no way of reaching their families during the internet and communication shut down since early January 2026 until last week (e.g., 9-News). Only recently, one-sided landlines became accessible. The series of recent events in Iran (detailed below) followed by the US administration’s engagement in diplomatic talks with the regime has put tremendous stress on this community. This DEI minute is dedicated to describing the current crisis and offering ways that we may help as members of CEAE.

What is going on in Iran?

• Iran, a country of about 90M, is experiencing the most significant protests for democracy and freedom in the country in decades. This round of protests began on December 28 in response to hyperinflation and a weakening currency. But they were quickly joined by university students and others across the society (31 provinces), millions risking their lives for a transition to secular democracy.
• The protestors come from all ages and socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Following massive protests, the regime shut down the internet and communication for about 10 days while massacring its people on the streets, in bazaars, on campuses, in hospitals, and in prisons.
• Human Rights Watch reports “large-scale killings” by security forces over 2 days (there are reports from 16,000 to 33,000 and even much higher estimates to date – exact numbers are not available due to government coverup). Many of those murdered were children, university students, and people under 30. There are reports of more than 360,000 injured (including children and pregnant women). Reports from only one hospital in Tehran indicate that more than 7,000 individuals were blinded as a result of pellet gunfire used by security forces. The scale of mass killings and crimes against humanity in Iran over just two days in January is unprecedented (nothing to this scale has been observed in Iran’s modern history).
• Amnesty International has documented systematic patterns of torture and execution targeting protesters and thousands of political prisoners. The continuously escalating numbers of deaths and disappearances reveal a mass atrocity.
• Simultaneously, the regime is deeply investing in foreign propaganda to white wash, deny, confuse, or relate the killings to terrorist or foreign organizations.
• More recent discussions and a documentary on the topic: https://youtu.be/f1YS-TQKs84
• The political movements in Iran generally have the potential to substantially influence the region (e.g., the Green Movement of 2009-2010 and the Women-Life-Freedom Movement of 2022-2023). Experts believe that this particular movement toward a secular democracy, is an extension of Woman-Life-Freedom (the first woman-led) revolutionary movement in 2022, and it will not only have the potential to inspire the region, it will also likely contribute to and support the fight for human and women’s rights, social and environmental justice in other parts of the world (including the US).

How can I help as a member of CEAE?

• Ask the Iranians you know how they are coping and whether their families are safe.
• Read about the events, stay informed with reliable sources. Community support during these times goes a long way in sustaining our distressed students.