Education Policy and Diversity Accommodation in Iran

Abstract

The main aim of education is to sustain pupils ethnic or cultural identity, cultivate a sense of pride in their history and achievements and help create cohesive ethnic communities. Educational institutions are often the heart of a community and are central agents of socialization. Schools can be an important channel through which to promote social cohesion and address community issues of inter-cultural, inter-religious, or inter- thnic relations. The education system is also a public institution, and as such, can create open and participatory processes through which the community can exert influence. If education policy is not sensitive to the issue of social cohesion and does not incorporate the perspectives of key stakeholders, it can be divisive and alienating, contributing to injustice and violence.

One of the major documents reflecting change in education system in Iran is National Fundamental Change in Education System document. According to this document, some strategies regarding national identity and solidarity. The Constitution of Iran contains a great potential for policies regarding minorities and ethnic groups with different race, language and culture. The constitution is the foundation of all the public policies in regard with culture, language and educational.