Controversial Professor Returns to CUNY
Corinna Marin, a political science professor known for her extreme views, is set to teach two courses at the City University of New York this fall. Her past includes a brief arrest tied to a protest and strong anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments.
Marin, who has expressed admiration for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, will teach “Middle East Politics” at Brooklyn College. This class will cover topics like Israel, Arab nations, Iran, and Turkey, based on the university’s online schedule.
At the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she’ll be instructing “Government and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa,” discussing the Arab-Israeli conflict and U.S. foreign policy among other subjects.
Jeffrey Lux, a law professor, expressed outrage over her return, labeling it “outrageous and unacceptable.” He argued that her presence in the classroom isn’t about academic freedom but rather a form of indoctrination funded by taxpayers.
Critics within the student body also shared concerns. Baruch College senior Aidan Hertzlinger deemed the concerns raised by professors about Marin’s position as “ridiculous,” claiming the Revolutionary Guards do not represent the working class but rather pose threats to nations like the U.S. and Israel.
Marin’s earlier tenure ended in summer 2025 after her involvement in a pro-Palestinian camp led to significant damage on campus. Following her termination, she contested the decision with union support and was reinstated in January, despite a lack of visibility on CUNY’s faculty pages until recently.
During the upcoming academic year, her salary is expected to be at least $34,304. Previously, she earned around $24,232 in the spring of 2025 before her layoff. Marin also teaches at the New School, although details about her salary there are not available.
Recently, she has made headlines for her statements at various political meetings. At a Democratic Socialists of America gathering, she declared support for the Revolutionary Guards, framing them as champions for the working class. “We must destroy the empire by any means necessary,” she asserted passionately.
Marin has also participated in events criticizing the U.S., referring to it as the “Evil Empire” and urging action against it. She has a history of outspoken anti-Israel rhetoric, even leading chants against what she perceives as treasonous acts by Arab nations normalizing relations with Israel.
Some students have voiced their disapproval of her teaching style and views on professor review sites, with comments labeling her as an extremist unfit for the classroom. However, her overall rating sits at 3.8 out of 5 on Rate My Professors.
Requests for comments from Mullin and the CUNY administration have gone unanswered.
