Elementary and secondary schools have been segregated by gender ever since the revolution, but such segregation has not been applied at the university or pre-school levels. In recent months, hardliners have moved to extend segregation in colleges, and have now struck at the pre-school level.
The Iranian Students News Agency reported Sunday that the Education Ministry had issued a directive saying: “It is forbidden to mix boys and girls in pre-school classes. In those centers where the number of pupils does not reach the required level, this [integration] can be permitted upon receipt of a permit from the education and training office of the school district.”
Those who have passed the age of four may enter pre-school programs.
The order does not give pre-schools much time to adjust, as the new school year begins September 25, only 34 days after the decree was announced.
Universities are also moving rapidly to segregate at least some classes by gender when the new school term begins next month. President Ahmadi-nejad ordered several weeks ago that the push for gender segregation at the university level be halted.
For all practical purposes, his order has been ignored as university administrators around the country appear to have concluded that power now lies with the hardliners pressing for gender segregation.
