Behrouz Chaman-Ara Dismissed from Kurdistan University Faculty
“Behrouz Chaman-Ara” announced his disqualification and dismissal from the faculty of Kurdistan University through a published statement.
Behrouz Chaman-Ara was a professor in the Department of Kurdish Language and Literature and a member of the faculty at Kurdistan University. His disqualification and dismissal have now become a matter of controversy.
Following the removal of specialized and experienced professors from universities and their replacement with unqualified individuals, widespread reactions have emerged among faculty members, students, and various sectors both inside and outside the country. Professor Behrouz Chaman-Ara, one of the outstanding professors in the language department, published statements regarding his disqualification by order of the “Provincial Information Office.”
He wrote a letter to the presidency of Kurdistan University, stating: “Now as course registration for the new semester is beginning, not only is there no meaningful sign of remedy from your excellency and the relevant managers, but in what appears to be a planned and coordinated action, on one hand, with coordination from the university’s security office, a written letter from the ‘Provincial Information Office’ regarding my general disqualification to continue service as a faculty member has been issued and communicated to me by telephone, and on the other hand, my name has been listed and published in similar lists with ‘dismissed professors’ in directed and state-affiliated media.”
The dismissal, suspension, and teaching bans for university professors have been unexpected and against the wishes of the mentioned professors. Even the reasons for their dismissal, despite their long history of teaching, remain unclear.
It should be noted that Professor Chaman-Ara was arrested on December 26, 2022, for reading a statement from Kurdistan University professors in protest against the suppression and detention of students in Sanandaj, and was later released after posting bail.
According to the Hrana news agency, 25 professors who stood with the people during nationwide protests and have now been dismissed, suspended, or banned from teaching have been identified so far.
