New York Professor Advocates for Iran's Military at DSA Meeting

A New York City college professor, Corinna Mullin, stirred controversy during a Democratic Socialists of America meeting by defending Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and criticizing the US empire. Her presentation, which praised Iran's military achievements and framed the conflict as a working-class struggle, faced backlash for ignoring the realities of women's rights in Iran and the wealth of its ruling elite. The audience's positive reception contrasted sharply with the fierce criticism from Iranian-American activists, highlighting the divisive nature of her remarks. Mullin's background, including her previous dismissal from CUNY and ties to controversial organizations, adds further complexity to this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 01:25 IST

Controversial Presentation on Iran's Military

A professor from a New York City college recently utilized a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) gathering to advocate for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and to criticize what she termed the US empire. Corinna Mullin, who teaches political science with a focus on anticolonialism, presented a session titled "Islamic Revolution Teach-in" to the DSA's NYC chapter on Wednesday, as reported by a local media outlet. Addressing an audience of over twenty, she praised the military capabilities of Iran, asserting that the nation had triumphed in its conflict against the United States. Mullin contended that this conflict has significantly weakened Washington's global influence and emphasized the need to dismantle the empire by any means necessary. Furthermore, she characterized the Iranian state as a defender of the working class, framing the ongoing conflict as one that primarily affects ordinary people. However, her presentation notably omitted any reference to the substantial wealth amassed by Iran's ruling elite through oil and state resources.

Criticism Over Gender Policy Claims

Praise for Iran's Gender Policies Drew Sharp Criticism

Mullin also faced backlash for her commendation of the Iranian government's approach to gender inclusion, a statement that critics argue overlooks the harsh realities faced by women in Iran, where failing to wear full covering can result in penalties. She claimed that the regime prioritizes human life, despite reports indicating that over 36,000 protesters have been killed since late December, according to local media.

Background on Corinna Mullin

Who Is Corinna Mullin?

Mullin was dismissed from the City University of New York in 2025 after eight years of service, following her involvement in an April 2024 protest at the City College of New York that caused approximately three million dollars in damages. She had previously faced arrest during anti-Israel demonstrations. After contesting her termination, she was reinstated this year, although her name was absent from CUNY faculty listings, leaving her teaching status unclear for the spring semester. Additionally, she holds a position at The New School and has previously worked with the Samidoun network, which the State Department has labeled as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a designated terrorist group.

Audience Response

The Crowd's Reaction

Members of the DSA present at the meeting responded positively. DSA leader Cass Roach commended Mullin's presentation and encouraged her to extend her speaking time. He expressed that the movement's hesitance to appear sympathetic to the Iranian government was a hindrance and urged members to disrupt what he termed the war machine by any means necessary, expressing relief that the session was not recorded.

Strong Opposition

Fierce Pushback

The remarks elicited a strong reaction from Andrew Ghalili, an Iranian-American and Policy Director at the National Union for Democracy in Iran. He criticized the notion of a New York professor defending the IRGC before an American political organization, highlighting that the IRGC is recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and has blood on its hands from both American and Iranian victims. Ghalili stated that anyone who defends the IRGC while claiming to advocate for human rights is either woefully uninformed about its victims or indifferent, labeling the idea of funding the organization a moral disgrace.