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U.W. Professor Dismissed for Criticizing U.S.-Israel Actions

4/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aria Fani, a University of Washington professor and former director of the Middle East Center, was removed after criticizing the United States–Israel war on Iran and Zionism.
Fani remains an associate professor, saying he was profoundly hurt and betrayed by the dismissal.
The case points to a broader trend of faculty facing repercussions for opposing U.S.-Israel actions, as with Shirin Saeidi, a professor.

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Story summary

Aria Fani, a University of Washington professor and former director of the Middle East Center, was removed after criticizing the United States–Israel war on Iran and Zionism.
Fani remains an associate professor, saying he was profoundly hurt and betrayed by the dismissal.
The case points to a broader trend of faculty facing repercussions for opposing U.S.-Israel actions, as with Shirin Saeidi, a professor.