We have learned that, in recent months, Bah’ children in primary and secondary schools throughout Iran have become special targets of the religious persecution long suffered by the Bah’ community there.

Because of their faith, these children are harassed, vilified and abused by school officials as part of a government-sponsored campaign. Pupils are expelled when they identify themselves as Baha’s, defend the faith against utterly unfounded accusations, or respectfully attempt to correct gross misrepresentations of the faith’s history in textbooks they must study.

The Bah’ faith is known worldwide for humanitarian ideals, initiatives to assist in solving the material and spiritual problems that stand in the way of achieving unity and justice, and support of international peace. In Iran, however, Bah’s have been persecuted since the inception of the faith more than 160 years ago. Between 1978 and 1998, more than 200 Bah’s were killed in Iran, many of them by execution, and several thousands imprisoned.

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering H. Res. 1008, “Condemning the Persecution of the Bah’s in Iran,” which calls on the government of Iran to cease activities aimed at repression of the Iranian Bah’ community.

We urge others to join us in support of that resolution, and other measures that could help end the injustice by bringing the matter to the attention of their colleagues and local organizations.

Val Carnegie, Lewiston

Tim Griffin, Auburn