Statement Issued by the Assembly of Teachers and Researchers of Qom Seminary in Response to University Faculty Dismissals

The Assembly of Teachers and Researchers of Qom Seminary has reacted to the dismissal of faculty members from universities across the country and issued a statement in this regard.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed the dismissal and teaching bans of experienced and specialized faculty members from universities across the country before the start of the new academic semester, and their replacement with unqualified individuals who are affiliates of the system. The dismissal of university faculty has sparked widespread reactions among the public and students.

Teachers and researchers of Qom Seminary have also reacted to the unjust dismissal of faculty and the irrational decisions of the thirteenth government, formed an assembly in this regard, and issued a statement addressed to the President.

While referring to a section of the Nahj al-Balagha letter that appropriately recommends dialogue and association with scholars for the reform of the country and the progress of the people’s affairs, this assembly wrote: “The dismissal of certain university faculty members is a very bitter and unpleasant decision that has severely questioned the thirteenth government. Whenever the foundations of a society’s culture become weak, hollow, and subject to the whims of those in power, the result can only be despair, fear, distrust, brain drain, and incorrect decisions.

Why have unreasonable and unacceptable decisions been made in this government? Dedicated faculty are being dismissed while there is talk of hiring several thousand new individuals? By dismissing independent and critical faculty, even the little academic independence that universities have is destroyed, and universities lose the necessary capability to help advance the country. By selecting possibly less-qualified individuals as faculty members, what direction will the fate of science and research take under this government?

Mr. President, who has always spoken of a bright future accompanied by progress, on what basis has he reached such a view? Placing the fate of universities in the hands of a particular group and creating obstacles to freedom of thought will clearly determine what kind of future will unfold.

We hope that relevant officials will refrain from factional decisions regarding universities and will not cause further brain drain from the country. These gentlemen know that power is not lasting for anyone, except if they leave a good name for themselves.

Therefore, this assembly considers the cessation of cooperation with certain dedicated faculty who have expressed their views to improve the decision-making process of the system for the country as detrimental to the country and condemns it. It is appropriate for the thirteenth government to heed the advice of the Commander of the Faithful (AS) in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, and instead of dismissing these faculty, listen to their warnings and views and seek their help to improve the situation. We hope that, at least in cultural and scientific affairs, a factional path will not be pursued, otherwise nothing but darkness, despair, and intellectual stagnation will result. Science and knowledge and research have never made a covenant of brotherhood with any power. Historical evidence shows that these methods of conduct have resulted in harm to government and people.”

Assembly of Teachers and Researchers of Qom Seminary