12. Statement of Nonprejudice. Admission to membership in IEEE in any grade shall not be affected by the race, religion, nationality or sex of the applicant.
In January 2002, IEEE HQ announced that under U.S. trade sanctions, IEEE can no longer provide membership privilege for residents of Burma, Cuba, Iran, Libya, and Sudan or support activities in these countries. This means that IEEE Sections, Chapters, Student Branches, and Affinity Groups cannot
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Hold meetings or organize any activities under the name of IEEE.
- Use IEEE logo to advertise or promote activities. They must remove IEEE name and logo from all materials and webpages.
- Issue or receive any IEEE award.
In addition, IEEE cannot
- Supply any fund to support the operation of the Sections, Chapters, Affinity Groups, or Student Branches in these countries.
- Reimburse any volunteer or student expenses.
- Support any program or conference in these countries.
Individuals in these countries can only subscribe to IEEE publications in print. They have to pay non-member rates for conference registration and publications. They will not receive any member benefits such as electronic access to publications, web account, IEEE email alias, Job Site, etc. Also, residents of these countries cannot serve as IEEE volunteers.
Obviously, this is against IEEE Codes of Ethics and Bylaws. Yes, according to its constitutions, IEEE must comply with New York Not-for-Benefit Corporation Law for its general administrative functions. But, we believe that this should not interfere with worldwide nature of IEEE and its commitment to enhance the quality of life for all people throughout the world.
In addition to more than 1800 individuals affected, this decision kills off 20 Student Branches and 6 Chapters in Iran Section. Since the establishment of University of Tehran IEEE Student Branch in 1997, they have shown a very fast growth in the quantity and quality of student activities. For this, R8 Exemplary Student Branch Award was given to University of Tehran and Sharif University of Technology in two consecutive years of 1999 and 2000, respectively. Also, Ali Shahrokni, UT SB Chair was awarded with Larry K. Wilson Regional Student Activities in 1998. During past few years more than 50 conferences, workshops, and short courses have been organized by student branches in Iran. There has been also an exponential growth in the number of student members and for this University of Tehran SB was recognized with Membership Growth Award in 2000.
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