New York, NY, October 30, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed support for the Armenian Jewish Community in their condemnation of Yerevan State University, which recently honored Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with an honorary doctorate and a medal.

"It is disgraceful for a reputable institution of higher learning to honor a man who routinely compromises the rights of Iranian citizens, and especially students and academics," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "We commend the Armenian Jewish Community for speaking out against this poor judgment on the part of Yerevan State University.

"It is one thing to provide a forum to speak, as universities are environments where freedom of speech should be promoted and encouraged," said Mr. Foxman.  "However, it is quite another to confer degrees and awards on a dictator who denies the Holocaust and calls for the destruction of the state of Israel.  Such tributes should be reserved for those academics and world leaders who rightfully deserve them."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.