Around September 14, 2025, it was reported that Taliban authorities had retaliated against students at multiple public universities, including by barring them from accessing their dormitories, for failing to comply with appearance standards.

According to media reports, Taliban authorities penalized students at universities in Herat, Bamyan, Laghman, Kunar, and Badakhshan provinces. Punishments included expelling students from their dormitories or barring them from receiving dormitory meals.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about disciplinary action against students in retaliation for the peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of religion. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, such incidents have a chilling effect on academic freedom and undermine associated higher education values. University authorities have a responsibility to refrain from disciplinary measures to restrict the peaceful exercise of internationally recognized rights to freedom of religion and expression.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://atlaspress.news/en/2025/10/27/taliban-ban-beardless-students-herat-bamyan-universities/
https://thermmedia.com/afghan-students-futures-tied-to-beards-under-taliban-rules