New School Retains Controversial Professor Despite Arrest in Anti-Israel Protests

In a recent development, The New School has faced scrutiny for retaining a faculty member, Corinna Mullin, despite her arrest during a protest. Mullin, a political science professor known for her critical views on Western culture and anticolonialism, was a leader in a protest at City College of New York (CUNY) in April 2024. This protest resulted in significant damage to a science building, with repairs estimated at $3 million.

Mullin was part of a group known as the “fired four,” adjunct professors at CUNY who claimed they were dismissed for supporting Palestine. This occurred in the lead-up to a congressional hearing on antisemitism on college campuses under the Trump administration. Although reinstated in January, it remains unclear if Mullin taught any classes at CUNY in the spring semester.

The controversy extends to the university’s student senate, which recently voted to sanction its Hillel chapter, a decision the university claims was beyond the group’s authority. The senate justified its action by alleging that Hillel’s involvement in trips to Israel linked it to violations of international law. Hillel countered, asserting that these trips were funded by private donations and not student fees, emphasizing that the organization is apolitical.

Mullin’s academic focus includes courses like “Middle East in the World” and “Decolonizing International Law.” She has been vocal about her stance on Arab countries normalizing relations with Israel, describing it as “high treason,” and has been associated with the Samidoun network, which the State Department identifies as a front for a terrorist organization.

The university has reiterated its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students, stating that the sanctions against Hillel were “unacceptable.” They are reviewing the situation to determine further necessary actions. This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay of political, religious, and educational dynamics, urging a balanced approach that seeks peace and understanding, as reflected in biblical teachings like Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God.

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