A professor with strong views returns to teach at CUNY despite past controversy

A political science professor known for her strong opinions about the Middle East is back in the classroom this fall at the City University of New York (CUNY). Corinna Mullin, who was arrested last year for leading protests that caused damage at a campus, will teach two courses: one on Middle Eastern politics at Brooklyn College and another at John Jay College. Her return has sparked debate about where free speech ends and public funding for controversial views begins. Mullin’s past actions include organizing a protest in 2024 where a flare caused a fire, leading to millions in damages. After being fired, she fought her dismissal and was reinstated earlier this year. Her lessons cover topics like the Arab-Israeli conflict, Iran’s political role, and US foreign policy—subjects that don’t shy away from hot-button issues. Critics argue her extreme views make her unsuitable to teach sensitive subjects, while supporters see her return as a victory for academic freedom.Her public statements have drawn attention for their sharp tone. In recent speeches, Mullin praised Iran’s military forces and called for weakening the US government, which she describes as an "evil empire. " She has also made controversial comments about Israel and its allies, including calling for protests against "Zionist scum" and dismissing countries that normalize relations with Israel as traitors. Some of her remarks have been labeled as hateful by opponents, raising questions about whether such views belong in an educational setting. Beyond CUNY, Mullin teaches at another private school, where she’ll discuss "decolonizing international law"—a topic that suggests she views Western institutions as unfairly dominant. Her salary at CUNY is public, but the private college doesn’t disclose earnings, leaving questions about how much taxpayer money supports her work. Some students have criticized her in reviews, calling her lectures more like rants than balanced teaching. The debate over Mullin’s return isn’t just about her opinions—it’s about whether taxpayer-funded institutions should employ educators who openly advocate for political change through confrontation. While some defend her right to free expression, others argue that classrooms should be spaces for facts, not activism. The tension highlights a broader question: How much controversy should a university tolerate in the name of open discussion?