Former Hunter College adjunct professor Shellyne Rodriguez, who made headlines after confronting pro-life students and later being charged with menacing a New York Post reporter with a machete, has reportedly found a new position as an adjunct instructor at The Cooper Union. Despite her controversial past, Rodriguez’s name appears on the fall semester schedule as an instructor of sculpture. The Cooper Union has not provided any comment on the matter.
Rodriguez was fired by Hunter College on May 23, following the machete incident. She turned herself in to the police on the same day and was charged with menacing and harassment for holding a machete to the neck of a New York Post reporter. The incident occurred when the reporter and a photographer went to her Bronx apartment building to question her about the Hunter College altercation. Rodriguez’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 2.
Videos capturing both the machete incident and Rodriguez’s tirade at Hunter College quickly went viral. In the May 2 incident, she approached a table in a Hunter College hallway where students from various pro-life organizations were distributing information. Rodriguez cursed at the students and accused them of triggering her students. She specifically targeted a male student who had spoken out about abortion, berating him and highlighting his inability to give birth. In the video, she can be seen angrily tossing the pro-life informational pamphlets off the table.
News of Rodriguez’s new teaching job at The Cooper Union has raised eyebrows, particularly among pro-life groups. Students for Life of America expressed shock at her hiring, stating that considering her recent history of vitriol and violence, it is alarming to see her entrusted with students once again.
It remains to be seen how Rodriguez’s new teaching position will be received by the academic community and the wider public. The incident at Hunter College, as well as the subsequent machete confrontation with the reporter, have sparked intense criticism of Rodriguez. As discussions surrounding free speech, academic professionalism, and appropriate conduct continue, the decision to hire Rodriguez may face further scrutiny.
