Reactions Continue; A University of Tehran Professor Speaks of 'Threat to Iran', Another Professor Talks of 'Dying' After Dismissal

Reactions to the recent wave of dismissals of professors and the replacement of 'revolutionary forces' in universities continue. In the latest instance, a dismissed professor from the University of Tehran stated that when you are 'dismissed, it is just like being dead'; another professor from the University of Tehran interpreted the threat to the university as a 'threat to Iran'. Abbas Kazemi, a sociologist, reacted to his dismissal from the University of Tehran by saying, 'When I was thrown out of the University of Tehran, I realized that the dismissal of professors is more a result of tribalism in educational groups than a centralized phenomenon from above.' Kazemi emphasized that 'when I was dismissed, not only did the university cut ties with me, but all my colleagues also cut ties with me.' He stated, 'When you are dismissed, it is just like you are dead, and the work is over, and you are free.' Hossein Akhani, a professor at the University of Tehran, also wrote in a note that due to his job position, 'I confess that I cannot tell all the realities as required for professional and transparent reporting.' Akhani emphasized that in the university recruitment system, a 'scientific barrier' is imposed on less influential and independent individuals at the highest standard. According to him, if individuals like Maryam Mirzakhani had applied for jobs in Iranian universities, they might have had no chance for employment and status change due to a lack of publications. This university professor also reported the formation of 'clique-like cores' and 'jealousies' in groups and faculties, stating that these sometimes 'incredibly shift professional and ethical boundaries.' This professor from the University of Tehran stated that if the government does not address major political, economic, international, and environmental issues, society will be deprived of capable and specialized individuals in many fields, and 'this decline is not in favor of any political current in Iran.' Akhani believes that besides the elites, ordinary people, even if they do not want to leave the country for political and social reasons, will be forced to leave due to living and economic conditions. He emphasized, 'Just save Iran.' In recent weeks, independent and government-critical professors from various universities have been dismissed under the name of 'termination of cooperation,' and revolutionary forces close to the government have replaced them. Members of seven scientific associations in the country also issued a statement on Sunday, September 10, warning about 'the widespread dismissal of professors and security confrontations with students,' stating that the gradual and 'currently accelerating' dissolution of the scientific institution exacerbates the current dismal inefficiency of the governing system. On the eve of the reopening of universities, a wave of dismissals of 'critical' or 'opposing' professors from universities across the country has begun, which, along with simultaneous pressure on protesting students, has faced negative reactions from academics and various segments of society. Warnings from seven scientific associations in Iran; the boundaries of truth cannot be determined by orders and threats. Protests from twelve artistic associations against the dismissal of professors; criticism and protest do not deserve punishment and reprimand. Defense of parliament representatives for the dismissal of professors; Kaveh Madani: Bravo to professors who do not sacrifice truth for expediency. Normalization of professors' dismissals in state media; dismissals are not political but seek to create tension. The escalating trend of migration; from doctors and engineers to workers and drivers leaving Iran.