#RESIST - Student Activism @ DU

The image depicts two unidentified individuals holding a sign that says "Down with Khomeini," affiliated with the University of Denver and the Iranian Protest. Credit: University of Denver Archives. Photographer unknown.

Soon after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, a group of Iranian students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Iman’s Line took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Fifty-two American citizens were taken hostage, eventually being released on January 20^th, 1981. On November 12^th 1979 a banner reading “F*** Iran” was hung from the Kappa Sigma house in protest of the taking of the hostages. The sign was later transferred to the Beta Theta Pi house and 200-250 students gathered and according to The Clarion:

 “A stereo was turned on blasting American patriotic songs, an American flag was displayed, and a keg of beer was furnished by the Kappa Sigma House.” (L. Bryan Welch)

 The Office of Student Life, concerned the rally would create tension and threaten DU’s Middle Eastern students, convinced the fraternities to take down the banners. On November 13^th, a more formal rally was organized by two members of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, lasting about 35 minutes.