Yale fires scholar amid terrorism ties investigation
- Helyeh Doutaghi, an Iranian scholar at Yale, was fired by the university for allegedly refusing to cooperate with an investigation.
- The investigation centered on allegations linking her to a U.S. designated 'sham charity' associated with terrorism.
- Doutaghi claims her dismissal is a consequence of her vocal criticism of Israel and the Gaza conflict.
In the United States, Yale Law School terminated the employment of Iranian scholar Helyeh Doutaghi on March 28, 2025, citing her non-cooperation with inquiries regarding her alleged affiliations with the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. This organization was identified by U.S. and Canadian authorities as a so-called 'sham charity' supporting a designated terrorist group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Yale's decision came after Doutaghi, who served as an associate research scholar and deputy director of the Law and Political Economy Project, reportedly refused to appear in person for questioning. The university asserted that Doutaghi had serious allegations against her that required her in-person testimony, alleging she had ties to terrorism. Doutaghi contested these claims, arguing that her dismissal was more about her outspoken criticism of the Israeli government and the ongoing war in Gaza. She expressed concern that a pattern exists within U.S. educational institutions to penalize those who oppose U.S. policies regarding Palestine, particularly in light of the pressure to suppress antisemitism from political figures. Doutaghi and her lawyer, Eric Lee, offered to respond to questions in writing but feared repercussions that could arise from attending in person amidst a politically charged atmosphere. The situation has highlighted broader issues in academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the implications for individuals engaged in criticism of U.S. foreign policy. As colleges are caught between political pressures and academic integrity, Doutaghi's case raises serious questions about the limits of discourse within educational institutions while also reflecting national tensions regarding identity, politics, and support for global humanitarian concerns.