College is a time to be independent, develop the ability to think critically, and feel free to express strong opinions. But those qualities aren't appreciated everywhere.

Human rights activists have recently called for a revoking of the ban on higher education found in Iran, which bars some students from pursuing the option.

Human Rights Watch called on Iran to immediately revoke bans on students from attending university because they hold political beliefs not to the government's liking, and to allow registered students to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association. In a briefing paper released today, entitled "Denying the Right to Education," Human Rights Watch documents how the government barred at least 12 students from university registration this past year, despite the fact that graduate programs had accepted them on the basis of successful competitive entrance examinations. The briefing paper also documents the cases of another 54 students who were allowed to register only after agreeing to sign statements that they will refrain from peaceful political activities.

"This policy is a blatant attack on freedom of expression and the right to education," said Joe Stork, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa division. "The authorities want to coerce university students, the bedrock of critical thinking in any society, into silence and submission."

Both this article and this document provide thought-proving arguments. Should higher education be the right of everyone, no matter what their government says?