Professor Fatemah Ardeshir-Larijani, was terminated by Emory University allegedly based on her family ties to a prominent Iranian politician. The CCS urges Emory to correct this injustice by reinstating her, affirming that in the United States individuals should not be punished for the actions or status of their parents.
February 5, 2026
Dr. Leah Ward Sears, Interim President
Emory University
505 Kigo Circle
Mailstop #1000/001/1AP
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
Dear President Sears:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists (CCS) is an independent human rights organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars. For over 50 years, it has been protecting and advancing the rights and scientific freedom of colleagues worldwide.
Today, we write to express our dismay with the termination by Emory University of Professor Fatemah Ardeshir-Larijani, a physician, reportedly caused by her being a daughter of prominent Iranian politician.
In the opinion of this Committee, such action of Emory University is inconsistent with American culture and tradition. It resembles the campaign against “Children of Enemies of the People” conducted by the Soviet Union in the 1920s – 1950s, when prominent scholars were denied research positions and expelled from academic jobs based on their ancestry.
While we share the hard feelings towards the Iranian regime of the members of the Iranian American community, we believe that the call for dismissal of Prof. Ardeshir-Larijani went against the American tradition. It should not have been answered by your administration. Unlike Iran and other totalitarian countries, the United States doesn’t punish people for the sins of their parents.
We respectfully request that Emory University corrects the injustice committed against Prof. Ardeshir-Larijani by reinstating her to her position.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
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