The daughter of a U.S.-sanctioned Iranian official is no longer an employee of Emory University following a public outcry.
Sandra Wong, dean of the private university’s highly ranked medical school in Atlanta, wrote to the faculty on Saturday that a “physician, who is the daughter of a senior Iranian government official,” is no longer an employee.
Wong didn’t name Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an oncologist, whom a Georgia congressman asked the university to fire. The doctor’s faculty webpage and Emory Healthcare page were no longer available as of Saturday.
Ardeshir-Larijani was an assistant professor in the department of hematology and medical oncology at the medical school.
Her father is Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, who has served as a top nuclear deal negotiator with Washington. The Trump administration sanctioned him, deeming him an “architect” of brutal crackdowns on protesters in Iran this month, which have reportedly left thousands, if not tens of thousands, dead.
Iranian-Americans held a silent protest outside Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute last week to bring attention to Ardeshir-Larijani’s employment.
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) wrote to Emory officials last week, urging them to fire Ardeshir-Larijani and for the state medical board to revoke her license.
“Her father has recently and publicly advocated violence against Americans and U.S. allies,” Carter wrote. “In light of these facts, Dr. Ardeshir-Larijani’s continued role treating American patients at a major U.S. medical institution is unacceptable.”
Wong wrote that the issue was a “personnel matter,” and the school would not say more. The Winship Cancer Institute issued a similar statement.
“Emory is committed to advancing patient care, research and education,” wrote Andrea Clement, the institute’s associate director of public relations. “Our employees are hired in full compliance with state and federal laws and other applicable requirements.”
Ardeshir-Larijani has reportedly studied and worked in the United States for years, receiving a green card in 2021.
The Iranian regime calls for death to America, but its leaders have repeatedly sent their children to study in the United States, including the son of then-foreign minister Javad Zarif.
