2023 proved to be a tumultuous year for Iranian academia, marked by a significant tightening of restrictions on university professors.
Karen Abrinia, Secretary of the Union of University Professors, paints a grim picture in his interview with Khabaronline, highlighting the detrimental impact on approximately 200 professors, with nearly 25 facing termination.
Abrinia details the diverse forms of pressure exerted:
- Retaliation for Public Stances: Professors who expressed their views on the 2022 protests faced consequences, including the demotion of contract positions, the obstruction of their career progression, and even dismissal.
- Salary Cuts and Demoralization: Beyond termination, some professors experienced salary reductions, further exacerbating their financial hardship.
- Forced Repentance: In certain universities, professors who signed statements related to the protests were reportedly coerced into signing letters of regret to maintain their employment.
These restrictions, Abrinia asserts, stem from two primary sources: professors’ stances on the 2022 protests and their involvement in the union. Despite possessing a government license, the union encounters resistance from various universities, hindering its ability to advocate for professors’ rights.
Furthermore, Abrinia emphasizes the alarming trend of increased government interference in universities. The Ministry of Science’s authority appears to be diminishing, while the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Council exert greater influence.
This shift suggests a broader network of institutions beyond the Ministry of Science dictating university affairs.
The consequences of this repressive environment are far-reaching. Reza Malekzadeh, a faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, revealed that approximately 40 “best faculty members” were either dismissed or forced to retire in the past two years.
These individuals successfully challenged their termination in court, highlighting the injustice they faced.
Etemad newspaper further corroborated this trend by publishing a list of 52 professors who were fired, forced into early retirement, or suspended from teaching since the beginning of Ebrahim Raisi’s government in August 2021.
Abrinia underscores the negative impact of these restrictions on young academics. The meager salaries offered to assistant professors make it difficult to afford basic necessities, let alone secure housing in Tehran.
This stark reality, coupled with the lack of academic freedom, discourages young talent and fuels a brain drain. Notably, Abrinia points out that these professors often migrate not to Western countries, but to neighboring nations, highlighting the broader regional implications of this exodus.
In conclusion, Iranian universities are grappling with a climate of repression. The targeting of professors for their views and union activity, coupled with a decline in academic autonomy, is leading to a significant loss of talent and a potential erosion of the intellectual vibrancy of Iranian academia.
This situation demands immediate attention and a reversal of these detrimental policies to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of Iranian higher education.
