Frank Guridy, a professor at Columbia University, has faced significant scrutiny for his involvement in activities and statements justifying acts of terrorism and fostering violent rhetoric. Guridy, who has been a professor of history and African American and African Diaspora studies at Columbia since 2015, also serves as the executive director of the Eric H. Holder Initiative for Civil and Political Rights.
Frank Guridy Justifies Violence
In October 2023, Guridy joined other Columbia faculty members in signing a controversial statement regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks, which resulted in the mass murder, torture, and kidnapping of Israeli civilians. The statement described the atrocities as a “military response” by “an occupied people exercising a right to resist violent and illegal occupation.” This justification of violence drew widespread criticism, particularly for its failure to condemn the war crimes committed by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
High Participation in Atrocious Events
In April 2024, Guridy was photographed participating in a pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia University. Wearing a vest labeled “FACULTY,” he spoke at the event and was seen supporting students who organized the protest. The encampment included slogans and symbols associated with terrorism, including calls for “intifada,” a term historically linked to violent uprisings. Faculty and staff involved in the encampment reportedly formed human barricades to block Jewish students from campus access and held signs opposing campus law enforcement presence.
