A Statement from Dean Fallin in Support for our Iranian Community

Message sent on behalf of Dean M. Daniele Fallin

Dear Rollins Community, 

As the US faces Iran today in the FIFA World Cup, we are all reminded of the ongoing fight for human rights, particularly women’s rights, in Iran. For the past two months, I have watched in horror as thousands of people in Iran—including children— have been beaten, imprisoned, and killed while protesting the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was brutally killed in police custody, and advocating for women’s rights. I am inspired by the courage and persistence of the Iranian people in their pursuit of human rights. 

Core to our mission and vision are advancing the health and wellbeing of people around the world and working to achieve optimal population health, quality of life, and social justice. Supporting human rights is an integral component of that. These acts of violence and censorship go against the tenets of human decency and are antithetical to public health.

I know many in our own Rollins community have been affected by this ongoing crisis. Please know you have my empathy and support in this truly difficult time. I am hoping all of us will approach each other with kindness and grace, knowing there are members of our community suffering in multiple ways. We are united in our passion for public health, human rights, and women’s rights.

If you are personally struggling, please remember the resources available to you: peers, advisors/supervisors, and importantly the Faculty Staff Assistance Program,  Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.  

With concern, 

Daniele Fallin, PhD
James W. Curran Dean of Public Health
Rollins School of Public Health
Emory University