CHICAGO (WLS) — The University of Chicago said it received repeated backlash. Eventually, a direct threat over a panel discussion on the Iranian protests planned by the Institute of Politics.
According to the Institute of Politics, their planned panel, “Taking it to the Streets: The Power of Iranian Women Now,” elicited strong reactions on campus and online.
Protests have raged across Iran for weeks after a police officer’s death. A woman arrested for not wearing a traditional hijab.
In a tweet, panelist and journalist Negar Mortazavi claims that backlash is directed at her. Accusing the Iranian Americans of having ties to the Iranian government. Mortazavi is outspoken in her support for the predominantly female protests in her home country.
“At the heart of this, however, is essentially a feminist uprising. A women’s uprising against years of systemic oppression, discrimination, and discriminatory laws against women. The violent enforcement of these laws,” she explained.
The panel discussion moved online on Tuesday to ensure student, faculty, and staff safety panelists.
The university stated that simply changing the format rather than canceling. It is part of their “deep commitment to upholding the rights of speakers. Those who disagree with speakers at the University, to express a wide range of views.”