Emory University Terminates Position of Iranian Official’s Daughter Amid Campus Protests
ATLANTA, Ga. — Emory University has ended the employment of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an assistant professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, following protests on campus and calls for a review of her immigration status. Ardeshir-Larijani is the daughter of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official who has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. The decision came after Iranian-American demonstrators gathered outside Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute on January 19 to oppose her hiring, citing concerns over her family’s political connections and the broader implications for U.S. national security.
In an email announcement on January 24, the Dean of Emory’s School of Medicine confirmed that Ardeshir-Larijani was no longer employed by the university. The protests reflected growing tensions on campuses nationwide regarding foreign influence and the employment of individuals connected to sanctioned entities. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains a sanctions list that includes Ali Larijani, restricting the activities of those associated with him. These sanctions have raised questions about the eligibility of family members for employment under U.S. immigration and national security regulations.
The controversy surrounding Ardeshir-Larijani’s position at Emory also highlights the challenges universities face in balancing academic freedom with compliance to federal laws. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, individuals linked to sanctioned Iranian officials are subject to restrictions that can affect visa status and employment authorization.
Emory’s action follows a broader national conversation about the vetting of foreign nationals in sensitive research and academic roles. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has increased scrutiny on visa holders connected to sanctioned countries, particularly in fields related to medicine and technology. Activists and advocacy groups have urged universities to conduct thorough background checks and ensure compliance with federal immigration laws.
Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani’s dismissal also comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, with recent statements from Iranian officials and U.S. military movements in the Middle East underscoring a fragile relationship. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding U.S. interests and security.
Emory University has not released a detailed public statement regarding the circumstances of Ardeshir-Larijani’s departure, but the university’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant academic environment. The episode serves as a reminder of the complexities universities face in navigating international politics, immigration policies, and campus activism.
For more information on sanctions and immigration policies related to Iran, the Department of Homeland Security provides resources and guidance on compliance for employers and educational institutions.
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