We respectfully urge the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to immediately remove and suspend Dr. Fatemeh (“Fate”) Noohi (formerly Fatemeh Noohi Bezanji) from her position as a Research Scientist, and to initiate a full, independent ethical, reputational, and security review, including the suspension and review of any professional licenses, credentials, or institutional authorizations associated with her role.

Why this matters

Publicly trusted universities have a heightened duty of care especially in environments involving students, patients, and sensitive research. When credible ethical and reputational concerns arise, institutions must act decisively to protect public trust and institutional integrity.

Background and context

Public reporting identifies Dr. Noohi as a member of the Noohi–Khazali family. She is reported to be the daughter of Kobrah Khazali and Dr. Fereydoun Noohi Bezanji, and she used her family's connections and wealth to secure her job. Dr. Noohi Bezanji is publicly reported to hold senior leadership roles within Iran’s medical establishment, including leadership positions at Rajaei Heart Hospital and Bahman Hospital, and has been described in Persian-language reporting as an influential figure within Iran’s cardiology sector. Ms. Khazali has held senior public roles for many years and is widely known as a hardline public figure.

Publicly reported statements and context. During nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, Persian-language media widely reported statements attributed to Ms. Khazali calling for forceful enforcement of “chastity and hijab” laws, rhetoric that drew significant public concern amid the contemporaneous, violent suppression of protesters.

Human-rights and reputational considerations

Independent reporting by international media and human-rights organizations describes a massive and lethal crackdown on peaceful protesters in Iran in January 2026, characterized by many observers as one of the deadliest episodes of repression in Iran’s recent history, with over fifty thousands of civilians reportedly killed over a very short period. In this context, continued institutional association with individuals closely connected by blood to senior figures within that system raises serious ethical and reputational risks for publicly trusted institutions.

This petition calls for responsible, precautionary governance, the same approach peer institutions have taken in comparable circumstances, to ensure that UCSF’s values and obligations are upheld.

What we ask UCSF to do

• Immediately remove and suspend Dr. Fatemeh (“Fate”) Noohi pending review;
• Suspend and review any professional licenses, credentials, or institutional authorizations associated with her role;
• Conduct a full, independent ethical, reputational, and security review, including enhanced due diligence; and
• Publicly reaffirm UCSF’s commitment to human rights, transparency, and the protection of students, patients, and public trust.

Universities must not knowingly or unknowingly provide safe harbor to proximity with power structures associated with repression and violence. Public confidence, patient safety, and institutional integrity require decisive action.

Please sign and share to support transparency, accountability, and responsible governance at UCSF.