A political science professor at the University of Arkansas, Shirin Saeidi, is facing scrutiny for allegedly misusing university letterhead to express support for Iran’s Supreme Leader and a convicted war criminal. She has also made controversial statements against Israel.
Saeidi leads the Middle East Studies program and reportedly backed Hamid Nouri, who was sentenced in Sweden for his role in the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Nouri’s past roles included being an assistant deputy prosecutor at a Tehran prison. His release came after a prisoner swap between Iran and Sweden. Activists have raised concerns about Saeidi’s actions, calling for the university to take further disciplinary measures against her.
In a series of social media posts, Saeidi praised Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She referred to him as the leader who maintained Iran’s unity amid conflicts with Israel, especially after the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Her comments have drawn backlash, with some labeling her remarks as extreme and antisemitic.
Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and US ambassador to Israel, criticized Saeidi, calling her statements “hate-filled.” He questioned whether she should remain in her position, suggesting her views align more with Iranian ideology than Western values. “Praising a leader who calls for the destruction of America goes beyond what is acceptable,” Huckabee stated.
Furthermore, Shirin Saeidi has previously labeled Israel a “terrorist state.” These statements have not gone unnoticed, prompting discussions about academic freedom and the responsibilities of educators at public institutions. A recent Change.org petition gathered over 3,700 signatures urging the university to act against her. Activists emphasize that for decades, Iranians have confronted efforts to erase their historical narratives and resist tyranny.
Lawdan Bazargan, a former political prisoner and human rights advocate, voiced concerns about professors like Saeidi using academia to distort the truth about Iran. She highlighted that this kind of rhetoric undermines the real struggles faced by those opposing the Iranian regime.
Public reactions are diverse, with local representatives emphasizing that their constituents do not wish for their taxes to support such divisive views. Masih Alinejad, another prominent Iranian dissident, also criticized Saeidi for her rhetoric, linking it to a broader pattern of infiltration by apologists of the Iranian regime into Western institutions.
This situation reflects a growing tension in academic circles over how professors engage with controversial political issues. A recent survey revealed that nearly 60% of university students believe academic environments should foster diverse perspectives, yet many express discomfort with extremist views, particularly when they intersect with international conflicts.
As universities navigate these complex dynamics, the case of Shirin Saeidi could spark further discussions about the role of educators, the appropriate use of institutional resources, and the balance between academic freedom and responsibility.
For ongoing updates on this topic, you can refer to the [Alliance Against Islamic Regime of Iran Apologists](https://www.change.org/p/calling-on-the-university-of-arkansas-to-remove-dr-shirin-saeidi) or other educational resources to stay informed.
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World News,antisemitism,iran
