Oberlin College has taken action against Professor Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, following a year-long investigation into his alleged ties to the Iranian regime. The decision to place Mahallati on "administrative leave" comes after Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman Jim Banks demanded answers from Oberlin College regarding the professor's connections.
The allegations against Mahallati are deeply concerning. He has been accused of being involved in covering up the mass murder of thousands of Iranian political prisoners in 1988. These disturbing claims have fueled a three-year pressure campaign by Iranian Americans, who have been outraged over Mahallati's role in these alleged war crimes.
In addition to these serious accusations, Mahallati has also faced scrutiny for his alleged endorsement of a fatwa to murder author Salman Rushdie. This scandal, along with his defense of the terrorist organization Hamas, has raised further alarm bells.
Furthermore, Mahallati has been under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights for subjecting Jewish students to harassment. This investigation stems from allegations of widespread antisemitism on Oberlin's campus. The college has been grappling with these issues since 2020, and the ousting of Mahallati shows that President Carmen Twillie Ambar and her administration can no longer defend him.
The decision to remove Mahallati from his teaching post also comes after recent revelations made by Oberlin College graduate Melissa Landa. Landa disclosed on FOX Business that Mahallati sexually harassed a student at Columbia University in the 1990s. Her complaint to the Department of Education in 2019 sparked the agency's investigation into allegations of antisemitism on the Oberlin campus.
In response to these allegations, Oberlin College spokeswoman Simakis stated, "We would not hire a faculty member whom we knew had a history of sexual assault, harassment, or abuse of anyone, including a student, colleague, or staff member." This statement underscores the college's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and staff.
The removal of Mahallati from his teaching post at Oberlin College marks a significant development in holding individuals in academia accountable for their actions. The allegations against Mahallati are deeply troubling, and the college's decision to take action reflects the need for strong accountability in higher education institutions.
As the investigation into Mahallati's alleged ties to the Iranian regime and his other misconduct continues, it is crucial that institutions prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. The removal of Mahallati serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, should be immune from facing the consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, Oberlin College's decision to oust Professor Mohammad Jafar Mahallati following allegations of ties to the Iranian regime, sexual harassment, and other misconduct demonstrates the college's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its community.
To find out more, go to this link: https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409891
