The Iranian Cultural Association of Carleton University’s ties with the Iranian government were under the scanner in a recent Maclean’s magazine article.
Ehsan Mohammadi was the head of the association, and the son of an Iranian diplomat. The Iranian Embassy was closed down last week, and diplomats and their families, including Mohammadi, have left Canada.
The Maclean’s story, written by Ottawa correspondent Michael Petrou, said Mohammadi wrote a letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s chief of staff, asking for funds for a New Year’s event.
The article also claims that in budgets the association submitted to the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) “more than $1,600 donated by the Cultural Centre of Iran,” which is closely affiliated with the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa.
The association was criticized earlier this year for hosting a panel discussion which celebrated Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979.
CUSA president Alexander Golovko said he does not think the association has re-applied for club status or funding this year.
When asked whether he would support the association, he said CUSA “strives to provide a supportive campus environment to all student groups.
“We pride ourselves on the support we provide to all members of the Carleton community,” Golovko said.
“As such, Carleton students regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion are Carleton students first and foremost. We would extend the same level of support to any member of the Carleton community.”
Mohammadi could not be reached for comment.
