Students have always played a key role in social movements that have taken place around the world. A student learns beyond their studies at university, to question events happening in society, to seek out the reasons behind them, and this activity and dynamism gives the student an independent identity. Students are defined within the student movement; a movement that shapes ideals with the focus on freedom and justice. It can confidently be said that the student movement is like a gear in the engine of society, which holds great importance in ongoing social actions around the world.

The university has always been a reflection of the movements of a society. One of the most influential movements that was led by students and had widespread and pervasive effects was the May 68 movement in France. It began with student protests and then spread to the masses and workers, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it had a significant impact on French society and even Europe at that time.

May 1968 was a classic movement in France; a movement that contained within itself ideals against authoritarianism and oppressive rule, against patriarchy and similar issues. French students initially began their protests by opposing strict university laws and disrespecting them, and they advanced to the point where they greatly shook the foundations of Marshal De Gaulle’s government. In May 68, students stood against incorrect policies and dictatorial behavior of the ruling authorities and played a different tune from the one preferred by the government. It should be noted that although this movement did not end in a revolution, it did change the fabric of the government and society in France and had many valuable and important achievements, including achieving equality in the social status of women and men, eliminating gender discrimination, and solidifying the social status of students.

The student movement in Iran is also, in a way, indebted to the French movement, which has had many ups and downs since its inception. In recent years, the repeated failures of social movements in Iran, from 1378 to 88, 96, and 98, have led to not only increased suppression by the ruling power, but also a sense of despair and hopelessness among the people, causing a massive wave of student migration. However, in the past three months, with the start of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran and its continuation until today, students have once again shown that they are one of the most important elements of social movements. The institution of the university in today’s movement in Iran is important because it injects rationality into the movement, distancing it from emotional spaces, and can guide it towards the right and effective direction.

The ideal university, in terms of government, is not one that is alive and meaningful and leads movements. The ideal university is one that is in line with the ruling beliefs and no opposing or critical voices are heard from it. From the perspective of the power institution, the university should be a tool for producing supporters and like-minded individuals, like a strong barrier against this movement and prevent its expansion. But the current identity of the university is what it should actually be, and students have stood on the right side of history. Following recent events, we have witnessed a nationwide unity among students from all universities in the country, whether they are well-known or unheard of. Students from different fields, from humanities to medicine and engineering, all stood together and their protest was heard beyond borders, and they also brought students from other countries with them. And now, for twelve weeks, these student protests continue.

The “Women, Life, Freedom” movement has created significant changes in the perspective of students. The concept of life as a part of the main body of this movement holds great importance. Previously, most students considered their desired life and aspirations to be connected to a different geography and sought to go and build that life elsewhere. However, now a ray of hope has been created for students and recent events have made it clear that true living lies in staying and building a homeland.

This mental image became real by reading “The Anthem of Women” at Sharif University. The university, which has always been a launching pad for elite students, now has a large population of students who shout with excitement and pride, “Stay and take back.” This was a memorable event and turned the students into symbols of resistance and perseverance, but the repressive regime has been standing against this hope and perseverance. The powerful institution does not hesitate to use force and intimidation in various ways, from arresting students by security forces to suspension and expulsion, to silence the voice of students’ cries for justice and to close the narrow door of hope for them. However, it must be remembered that the use of force may be effective in the short term, but it increases the anger of society. As Farokhi Yazdi puts it, “The more these cries become louder, the more they become screams.”

Now students are standing against the government. They demand change and the respect of their rights, and their protests are being heard. On the other hand, the government is using all its power to suppress the university and close even the smallest window of hope. Now we must see which side will be victorious; will darkness once again overcome light and hope be lost from society, repeating history? Or will light finally triumph over darkness and they will remain and reclaim their rights?

Students have been shouting for years that they are willing to sacrifice everything and even lay down their lives to achieve their goals. The university and its students are not expendable. They will continue to live on and fight for their rights until they reach the victory that all people of Iran desire.