Arezo Khavari, a 16-year-old Afghan student in Iran, tragically took her own life after school officials reprimanded and threatened her over not wearing a headscarf. Her father has filed a complaint against the school officials and principal.
Arezo’s social nature and numerous friendships made the incident even more heartbreaking, according to women’s rights activist Pardis Rabiee. During a school trip, the assistant principal confronted Arezo about her attire, including jeans and briefly removing her headscarf while interacting with classmates.
The assistant principal filmed Arezo and threatened to report the video to the principal, potentially leading to expulsion. This intensified Arezo’s anxiety, already vulnerable as an Afghan national in an Iranian school. A classmate revealed, “Simply for removing her scarf and enjoying herself, she experienced intense stress… The threat of expulsion made her extremely anxious.”
Lawyer Hossein Raisi emphasized, “This is not an ordinary suicide… Anyone who endangered the child, neglected their protection, or encouraged such an act bears criminal liability.” Raisi cited the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Iran’s Child and Adolescent Protection Law of 2020.
After returning from the trip, Arezo was called to the principal’s office, visibly distressed. Her math teacher recalled, “She asked me, ‘Please pray they don’t expel me.'” Hours later, the school informed her family she had left without permission, showing no concern for her whereabouts.
Arezo’s family searched for her, ultimately finding her lifeless body at Haft-e Tir hospital. Her father filed a police complaint against school officials, including the principal. However, as an Afghan national, he doubts justice will be served.
Classmates reported previous mistreatment of Arezo by school officials, including criticism for her hijab and initial resistance to enrollment. Lawyer Raisi stated, “All individuals who contributed to creating a dangerous environment for Arezo are responsible… The principal and assistant principal bear primary responsibility.”
Raisi criticized the school system’s emphasis on hijab and dress codes, emphasizing, “Dress code violations do not justify putting a child in danger.” Arezo’s tragic case highlights the need for schools to prioritize students’ well-being over rigid rules.
As activist Pardis Rabiee questioned Principal Mahnaz Qanbari, she responded that they awaited the medical examiner’s report. However, the sequence of events and testimonials from classmates and teachers paint a disturbing picture of systemic failure and negligence.
Arezo’s story sparks outrage and demands change in how schools address students’ mental health and individuality. The tragic loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked authority and lack of empathy.
