Education is not a crime. It is a human right. So too is religious freedom. Denying someone an education because of their religion is a crime—perhaps not a legal crime in some places, but nevertheless a moral crime, particularly when perpetrated by a regime that institutionalizes bigotry and repression. This is the crime that Iran’s repressive regime commits in its denial of educational opportunities for members of the Baha’i faith. The persecution of the Baha’i includes a ban on members of the faith teaching and studying at the university level. Instead, they must study underground. But the regime has tried to suppress such efforts, as well. The recent documentary To Light a Candle by filmmaker Maziar Bahari covers this experience and has people rallying together to say clearly and unequivocally that education is not a crime.

For Catholics, the moral imperative is clear: to support the rights of the persecuted Baha’i and condemn the despicable actions of the Iranian regime. Equal access to education and religious freedom are two critical human rights that deserve protection in every country on the planet. The denial of these human rights for members of the Baha’i faith in Iran must end. Iran has a responsibility to treat Baha’i students like every other student and allow them to receive a university education. People of all faiths can find common ground in affirming the dignity of the person and the basic rights that belong to all.

These days some seem reluctant to denounce the injustices committed by the Iranian regime, perhaps fearing that such honesty and moral clarity would undermine the quest for a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear showdown or strengthen those who currently favor the use of force to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. But to remain silent for such reasons is indefensible. The pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the nuclear dispute should be supported because the use of force should be a last resort, not because one is willing to ignore Iran’s violations of fundamental rights.

Education is not a crime. It’s time for Catholics to speak up.