The Caltech GSC invites you all to observe a moment of silence Fridays at noon in solidarity with students experiencing violence at their schools in Iran and around the world.  In the first two weeks of the observance, 100-200 students from around the nation participated.  We will continue to keep you up to date on the plight of students and professors in Iran as we hear more news through our facebook group (see below).  Please take time before or after your moment of silence to read through the new reports of violence against or suppression of students and professors in Iran.

"We're doing this because students at Tehran University are facing violence. We support the idea that a University is an establishment of higher learning and freedom of thought, and should be a place where new ideas can be cultivated and even encouraged. When violence erupts targeting a University, it in many ways hinders the students in pursuing these goals. Violence should never be the answer, and violence that specifically targets students, who are trying to better themselves and often their nation, is particularly deplorable. We therefore are having our moments of silence in honor of the students who have to face these dangers, and to support them to not give up on their academic pursuits." - David Doll, GSC Advocacy Chair

"We're doing this because universities are places where, to be effective in their function, ideas must be shared freely and without fear of reprisal. Regardless of the political situation in Iran, the reported attacks on students at their universities and video of the same requires a heartfelt response from the international student community. It is with that in mind that we show solidarity with the students in Iran by observing their suffering with weekly moments of silence." - Evans Boney, GSC Underrepresented Students Advocate

You can find the facebook group here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=217886410477&ref=ts

The interview with the American Islamic Congress here:

http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/52.html#2

And the link to Nico Pitney's liveblog coverage here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/30/iran-uprising-live-bloggi_n_222970.html