Rival Iranian Student Groups Clash

LAWRENCE, Kan.-As rival political factions fought last month in the streets of Tehran, the emotions and violence spread to the University of Kansas (KU) campus.

Pro-and anti-Khomeini Iranian students clashed in a 15-minute glass throwing spree at the student union September 12, ending in one stabbing and several beatings.

KU police said the violence broke out when pro-Khomeini students tried to force their way into a lecture on Iranian affairs, which was sponsored by the Iranian Student Association (ISA), an anti-Khomeini group.

Several students attending the lecture said the disrupting group was composed mainly of members of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), a pro-Khomeini faction and rival to the ISA.

Not the First

The incident was not the first time the two groups fought-ISA members said MSA students attacked a table they had set up the previous week. Nor, according to both sides, will it be the last. Supporters of the current Iranian government hung up posters threatening more violence, and an ISA spokesman said, "if they want it they can have it."

As of September 17, eight suspects had been identified, but no arrests had been made.

In the aftermath of the incident, the university formed a policy regulating ISA activities. The association must pay $100 for damages and must notify university officials of all open meetings 72 hours in advance.

"The precautions are to protect the health and safety of the people," David Ambler, vice chancellor of student affairs, said, adding that they were designed to avoid another fight.