Sharif University Guild Calls on Minister of Science to Rehire Dismissed Professors

A student guild at Sharif University has urged the new Minister of Science of Iran to reinstate professors who were dismissed from the university, referencing slogans put forth by the minister. In a letter from the Islamic Association of Students at Sharif University to Hossein Simayi Sarraf, the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, which was published in Iranian media, it was warned that the trend of dismissing university professors would lead to 'the country being deprived of specialists.' This letter, written by Ali Karimi, the secretary of the Islamic Association of Students at Sharif University, reminds Simayi Sarraf of his slogan 'restoring dignity to the university.' Karimi pointed to the termination of Ali Sharifi Zarchi, a professor in the Computer Science Department at Sharif University last year, stating, 'The termination of Dr. Sharifi Zarchi is just one example of the decisions made in recent years by relevant authorities aimed at this goal, the effects of which can be seen in the unjustified dismissals of professors from various universities across the country. This trend has resulted in nothing but despair and frustration among academics.' The wave of reactions to the dismissal of professors reflects a pattern of 'purification' within the ruling establishment. Ali Sharifi Zarchi first reported receiving his dismissal letter from the university in early September last year, writing, 'Today I received my dismissal letter from Sharif University.' Following the protests of 2022, pressures on protesting students and supporting professors have intensified. The Islamic Republic's approach to non-aligned professors has typically involved dismissal, suspension, or forced retirement. In recent years, the interference of security agencies in universities has increased to the extent that, in addition to students, protesting professors are also summoned and interrogated by university security and security agencies. The letter from the Islamic Association of Sharif University to the Minister of Science also stated, 'Science has become monopolized by a specific minority, and as a result, the university has distanced itself from the authority it needs to help the country out of its current situation.' The letter added, 'The removal of experienced professors has brought discouragement to the academic community and has left them hopeless for any improvement in their situation.' Last September, the Tehran-based newspaper 'Etemad' collected and revealed the names of 52 other dismissed professors under Raisi's government, continuing scattered reports of the removal of critical professors. Domestic critical media refer to this government action as the 'university purification movement.' However, media close to the government have either denied the issue of professors' dismissals or framed it as a result of their role in supporting protests. The resignation of a Sharif University professor followed his summons and interrogation due to his support for protests. Hossein Simayi Sarraf, who served as the secretary of the government in the administrations of Hassan Rouhani and Ebrahim Raisi, previously stated in his speech in parliament during his qualification review that we have not taken free thought seriously and warned about the widening generational and cultural gaps in Iran. Simayi Sarraf called for respect and preservation of the dignity of professors and academics and emphasized the recognition of 'the independence of the institution of science and inquiry.' The proposed Minister of Science stated that 'the university is not in a good state' and based on research, '30 percent of students need mental health services.' Pressures on students and university professors in Iran have led to widespread emigration among the academic class.