Full Breakdown
University of Arkansas Professor Faces Backlash Over Alleged Support for Iranian Regime
12/13/2025, 8:42:04 PM
Allegations Against Shirin Saeidi
Shirin Saeidi, an assistant professor of political science and head of the Middle East Studies program at the University of Arkansas, is under scrutiny for allegedly using university letterhead to support Hamid Nouri, a convicted Iranian war criminal. Nouri was sentenced in 2022 by a Swedish court for his role in the execution of thousands of political prisoners at Gohardasht Prison in 1988. Saeidi's actions have prompted calls for further disciplinary measures from lawmakers and Iranian dissidents, leading to her removal from her departmental leadership position.
Context of the Controversy
The controversy intensified following Saeidi's social media posts, where she praised Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and referred to Israel as a "terrorist state." Her comments came in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which she characterized as a response to Israeli aggression. The Alliance Against Islamic Regime of Iran Apologists (AAIRIA) has been vocal in condemning Saeidi's actions, stating that they contribute to a narrative that undermines the reality of human rights abuses in Iran.
Official Responses and Investigations
A spokesman for the University of Arkansas confirmed that Saeidi is no longer in her leadership role and that the university is investigating her use of letterhead in accordance with institutional policies. The AAIRIA has gathered nearly 3,800 signatures on a petition demanding action against Saeidi, highlighting concerns over the influence of ideologues in Western academic institutions.
Criticism from Lawmakers and Activists
Critics, including Republican Arkansas State Representative Mary Bentley, expressed deep concern over Saeidi's alleged antisemitic behavior and the potential misuse of taxpayer funds for such actions. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian human rights activist, has also condemned Saeidi, likening her rhetoric to that of Hezbollah terrorists and calling for an end to the infiltration of Iranian regime supporters in U.S. institutions. Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center described Saeidi's actions as profoundly antisemitic, particularly in light of her comments following the Hamas attacks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the university has confirmed Saeidi's removal from her position, details regarding the ongoing investigation and any potential disciplinary actions remain unclear. Additionally, there is a lack of direct responses from Saeidi herself regarding the allegations against her.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whether Shirin Saeidi should be fired is a decision for the administration and the UA board. But praising the Iranian leader — who calls not only for the slaughter of Jews but also calls for the destruction of America — makes me think this deranged professor would probably be better suited to being given a one-way ticket to Tehran and taking a job of teaching in their hate-infested schools,” — Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel
- “I can assure you that my constituents do not want their tax dollars being used to support unethical and antisemitic behavior from professors at our public universities,” — Mary Bentley, Arkansas State Representative
- “You can’t get any more antisemitic that,” — Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Simon Wiesenthal Center
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding academic freedom, political expression, and the implications of faculty conduct in relation to international conflicts.
