Statement issued by the Qom Seminary Teachers and Researchers Assembly in response to the dismissal of university professors

The Qom Seminary Teachers and Researchers' Assembly reacted to the dismissal of university professors in the country and issued a statement in this regard.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed the dismissal and banning of some experienced and specialized professors from universities across the country before the start of the new semester, and their replacement with non-specialists who are agents of the regime. The dismissal of university professors has generated widespread reactions among the public and students.

Teachers and researchers at Qom Seminary also reacted to the unjust dismissal of professors and the illogical decisions of the 13th government, formed a forum on the matter, and issued a statement addressed to the president.

Referring to a part of the Nahj al-Balagha letter that recommended dialogue and association with scholars to reform the country and advance the people's work appropriately, the forum wrote: "The expulsion of some university professors is a very bitter and unfortunate decision that has severely questioned the 13th government. Whenever the foundations of society's culture become weak, devoid of content, and subject to the masters of power, the result will be nothing but despair, fear, distrust, knowledge killing, and wrong decisions."

Why have unreasonable and unacceptable decisions been made in this government? Compassionate professors are being fired and instead, there is talk of recruiting several thousand new people? By firing independent and critical professors, the little independence of universities is also being lost and the university lacks the necessary ability to contribute to the progress of the country. With the selection of a group of possibly unqualified professors, where will the fate of science and research go in this government?

Mr. President, who always speaks of a bright future full of progress, what evidence has led him to reach such an opinion? Handing the fate of the university over to a certain group and creating obstacles to freedom of thought is clear as to what kind of future it will create.

We hope that the relevant officials will stop making partisan decisions for universities and not cause more brains to leave the country. Gentlemen, you know that power is not sustainable for anyone, unless they leave a good name for themselves.

Therefore, this forum considers the termination of cooperation with some compassionate professors who have expressed their opinions to reform the decision-making process of the system for the country to be detrimental to the country and condemns it. It is appropriate for the 13th government to listen to the advice of the Commander of the Faithful (AS) in his letter to Malik Ashtar and instead of dismissing these professors, to listen to their warnings and opinions and to seek their help to improve the situation. We hope that at least in cultural and scientific affairs, a factional path will not be followed, otherwise it will only lead to darkness, despair, and intellectual stagnation. Science, knowledge, and research have not yet entered into a brotherhood with any power. As history shows, these methods of dealing with the government and the people have ended up being detrimental to the government and the people.

Qom Seminary Teachers and Researchers Assembly