"Persecuted" is perhaps a strong word. I'm all in favor of a healthy skepticism, especially in the world of science. "New" ideas should be rigorously tested and discarded when the reality does not match the idea. Otherwise, science becomes handmaiden to fashion, and Truth vanishes in a fog of trendy self-importance.
There is a difference between skepticism and persecution. Saying an idea or theory is wrong or even garbage is skepticism. Lawsuits and blackballing is persecution. There are scientists who are being persecuted for even mild constructive criticism of orthodoxy. The whole climate change industry is a good example. In some cases, simply noting a need for further study in an area can bring down the wrath of the mediocrities pushing a worldview rather than science.