A professor of art at Hunter College in Manhattan has been terminated from her position and is currently under investigation by the New York City Police Department after a disturbing video went viral, showing her holding a machete to a reporter’s neck and allegedly issuing threats to harm him.
Hunter College spokesperson Vince Dimiceli expressed strong condemnation of Shellyne Rodriguez’s actions and confirmed immediate action taken by the college. Dimiceli stated that Rodriguez has been relieved of her duties effective immediately and will not be returning to teach at the school.
The incident occurred when reporter Reuven Fenton from the New York Post approached Rodriguez’s door to discuss a video that had circulated earlier in the month, showing her harassing pro-life students at Hunter College and vandalizing their display table. According to the Post, Rodriguez yelled threats at Fenton from behind her closed door, including a warning to chop him up with a machete.
She then opened the door and was captured on video holding the machete to the reporter’s throat while continuing to issue threats. Fenton and his photographer left the scene promptly, but dashcam footage reportedly showed Rodriguez chasing them into the street while still wielding the machete. The Post also reported that she allegedly kicked Fenton in the shins as he got into his car.
Hunter College promptly responded by terminating Rodriguez’s employment, and the NYPD is conducting an investigation that could lead to criminal charges.
The New York Post reporters had initially approached Rodriguez to inquire about a video from May 2, which depicted the professor verbally abusing and cursing at two pro-life students at Hunter College. The video was shared on Twitter by Students for Life.
Rodriguez made derogatory remarks towards the students sitting at a pro-life display table, accusing them of spreading propaganda. She further taunted the male student, stating that he could not have an opinion on abortion because he cannot bear a child. The encounter was contentious, with Rodriguez asserting that their peaceful demonstration was “violent.”
It is worth noting that Rodriguez has identified herself as a “black Marxist” and has been involved in activism. In 2020, she was arrested during a George Floyd protest in the Bronx and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the NYPD, alleging mistreatment during her arrest. The lawsuit, in which Rodriguez is the lead plaintiff, is scheduled to return to court in July.
The incident involving Rodriguez highlights concerns about the influence of biased ideologies and aggressive behavior within educational institutions. While her actions towards conservative students and the reporter were caught on video, it raises questions about potential incidents that go unrecorded.
Addressing the issue of left-wing indoctrination and intimidation, which often hinders free speech, is crucial in ensuring a healthy and balanced educational environment.
