Emory University Dismisses Daughter of Senior Iranian Official

Emory University in the United States has dismissed Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani, an assistant professor in hematology and oncology at its Winship Cancer Institute.

The decision came after sustained calls and protests from students and the public over her familial ties; her father, Ali Larijani, is the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, a key figure in the Iranian government.

Protestors specifically cited his support for the state’s crackdown on widespread anti-government protests in Iran as the reason for demanding her removal from her academic position.

While the university and the Winship Cancer Institute confirmed she is no longer an employee, they did not disclose the specific reasons for her dismissal.

Following the action, her professional profile was removed from the university’s official website, underscoring the severance of ties between the academic institution and the daughter of a high-ranking foreign official linked to controversial state actions.