Professor Defends Iranian Military at DSA Meeting
A university professor in New York City, known for her anti-Israel and anti-U.S. sentiments, recently defended the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps during a Democratic Socialists of America meeting. She advocated for dismantling the American empire “by any means necessary.”
Corinna Marin, a political science professor involved in an anti-Israel protest that resulted in significant damage to the City University of New York’s Harlem campus, spoke highly of Iran’s military capabilities, claiming they have effectively depleted U.S. arms stocks in the Middle East. Her lecture focused on “Islamic Revolution Education” at the DSA’s New York branch, where she stated, “Iran won this war,” emphasizing the successes of Iran’s military industry.
During her talk, she expressed that the actions of the Iranian military were harming the American empire’s dominance, passionately declaring, “We must destroy the empire by any means necessary.” Marin, who specializes in anti-colonial education, was dismissed from City College in 2025 after eight years, but she was reinstated this year. However, her current role at the City University of New York remains unclear.
Addressing a small group, Marin portrayed Iran’s regime in a favorable light, justifying military funding while omitting any mention of the wealth concentrated among Iran’s ruling elite from oil control. She expressed a desire for a world without military presence but indicated that true justice would require some military expenditures to protect workers.
Marin insisted, “The state itself is acting on behalf of the working class,” reinforcing her alignment with socialist ideals. Her views resonated with the audience, with DSA members expressing admiration for her passionate statements.
One attendee noted the hesitation within their ranks to express sympathy for the Iranian government, while another leader emphasized the organization’s goal to disrupt the war machine, regardless of varying opinions on the Iranian regime.
Marin controversially praised the Iranian government for its perceived “strong gender inclusion” and prioritization of human life, despite high casualties among protesters and harsh penalties for women’s dress code violations.
Critics, such as Iranian-American and policy director Andrew Galili, expressed horror at a professor endorsing a group designated as a terrorist organization. He asserted that those supporting the Revolutionary Guards are either misinformed or indifferent to their human rights violations, calling it morally reprehensible to advocate for their funding.
Marin, connected with the Samidoun Network, recently wrote a paper titled “The Multiple Fronts of Iranian Anti-Imperialism.” The New School and City University have yet to comment on her employment or her endorsement of the Revolutionary Guards.
