A professor at the University of Arkansas, Shirin Saeidi, was dismissed from her position after allegedly misusing university letterhead to advocate for the release of a former Iranian official convicted of mass executions. Saeidi, who led the Middle East Studies program, also publicly praised the Iranian Supreme Leader and criticized Israel in social media posts, sparking backlash from advocacy groups and public figures. A petition calling for her removal gathered thousands of signatures, citing violations of academic and ethical standards. The university confirmed her departure and announced an investigation into her conduct, while Saeidi has not publicly commented on the firing.