Cleveland, OH – January 28, 2023 – The Alliance Against Islamic Regime of Iran Apologists (AAIRIA), comprising families of victims from the 1988 massacre, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens, marks a significant milestone in their ongoing campaign. Recent developments suggest that Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, previously known as the ‘professor of peace,’ has been placed on permanent administrative leave from his role in Oberlin College’s Religion Department. This decision follows relentless advocacy efforts and damning revelations about Mahallati’s involvement in human rights violations, underscoring a crucial acknowledgment of the victims’ plight.
According to sources within Oberlin College, Mahallati’s placement on permanent leave entails the removal of his nameplate from office doors and the eradication of any references to him from the college’s website, including a previously issued “factsheet” defending him from accusations of covering up crimes against humanity.
AAIRIA’s unwavering pursuit of justice, supported by overwhelming evidence of Mahallati’s controversial past, has culminated in this development. The coalition demanded Mahallati’s immediate termination following an Amnesty International report identifying him as a key figure in the Iranian regime’s efforts to conceal the 1988 massacre of an estimated 5,000 political prisoners. In late September, the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights initiated an investigation into a complaint alleging Mahallati taught students “support for Hamas and terrorism” amid broader concerns of anti-Semitism at Oberlin. Additionally, AAIRIA contacted the school after uncovering federal court documents detailing Mahallati’s alleged coercion of a graduate student into an “emotionally abusive” relationship while teaching at Columbia University.
Despite numerous inquiries, Oberlin College has remained tight-lipped about Mahallati’s current employment status, perpetuating a pattern of secrecy and inadequate communication that has hindered constructive resolution efforts since the inception of AAIRIA’s campaign.
The situation poignantly reminds us of the imperative for rigorous scrutiny of U.S. academia’s hiring practices, particularly regarding officials linked to oppressive regimes. Educational institutions must uphold the values of truth, justice, and human rights in their faculty appointments. While Oberlin College’s belated response represents progress, it falls short of the proactive stance required in such critical matters.
AAIRIA asserts that Oberlin College should elucidate the rationale behind Mahallati’s leave and initiate an independent investigation into the oversight of his hiring, given his alleged involvement in the 1988 massacre. Furthermore, the college must ensure that Mahallati receives no future benefits, pensions, or favorable references from his tenure at Oberlin College.
Additionally, we urge the college to demonstrate its commitment to justice by erecting a memorial for the victims. This is not merely about accountability; it’s about honoring the memory of those who suffered in the 1980s and the 1988 massacre and ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten.
As we contemplate these developments, we acknowledge that the journey towards justice for the victims of the 1988 massacre remains ongoing, and AAIRIA remains resolute in its dedication to this cause. We persist in advocating for integrity and accountability within U.S. academia, advocating for a future free from the influence of those who defend or overlook tyranny and injustice. In the same way, we teach about Nazism and its destructive ideology in schools; we must educate about the Islamic Regime of Iran and the destructive role of its Supreme Leaders. Oberlin College should take the lead in this effort by introducing a course that delves into the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran and highlights its detrimental effects on society.
For media inquiries, contact: Lawdan Bazargan at email lawdanbazargan@gmail.com
