The Alavi Foundation, recently accused of illegally providing funding and services to Iran, supported Middle Eastern culture and language programs at Harvard to promote Islamic education. Harvard Spokesman Kevin Galvin said that officials of the university were unaware of Alavi’s ties.
Middle East studies Professor Roger Owen received grants from Alavi for his work at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
The organization has also donated hundreds of thousands to Rutgers University and Columbia University to fund Persian language and culture programs. It also owns the Razi School, a private Islamic grade school in Queens.
They continue to deny charges of funding Iran and are fighting government efforts to seize their properties, which include mosques around the country.
