Joseph Howley, an associate professor of classics at Columbia University, has been a vocal supporter of radical movements that glorify terrorism and fuel campus hostility. His participation in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia (April–May 2024) and his public defense of Hamas’s actions raise serious concerns about his role in fostering an unsafe and divisive academic environment. As a coordinating committee member of Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP-CBT), Howley has used his position to promote extremist rhetoric and justify acts of terror.

Endorsing Violence and Terrorism

Howley has openly defended and rationalized the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which resulted in the mass murder and kidnapping of civilians.

• Signed Faculty Letter (October 30, 2023): He endorsed a letter that framed the attacks as a “military response” and an act of “resistance,” effectively legitimizing acts of terror. His support for this rhetoric normalizes violence and erases the reality of war crimes committed against innocent civilians.
• BDS Advocacy and Radical Rhetoric: He has spoken at multiple events promoting Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiatives, reinforcing inflammatory narratives that incite hostility against Israel and Jewish students.

Active Participation in Hostile Campus Protests

Rather than fostering an inclusive academic space, Howley has used his faculty position to embolden and defend disruptive, antisemitic protests.

• Visible Role in Columbia Encampment (April–May 2024): Howley was photographed and filmed wearing a faculty vest while participating in the encampment, which was marred by antisemitic slogans, destruction of property, and physical confrontations.
• Blocking Jewish Students: Reports indicate that he played a role in obstructing access for Jewish students and other individuals seeking to navigate campus freely.
• Defense of Lawlessness: Despite the encampment’s violations of university policies—including vandalism and incidents amounting to unlawful detention—Howley publicly justified the protests and dismissed concerns about their impact on campus safety.

Promoting a Hostile Environment

Through his advocacy, Joseph Howley has contributed to an atmosphere of intimidation and incitement at Columbia University. His rhetoric and activism have amplified radical voices while undermining efforts to maintain a safe, respectful, and open academic environment.

Key Takeaways:

Justifying Terror: Signed a faculty letter that framed Hamas’s October 7 attacks as a “military response.”
Encampment Involvement: Played an active role in the Columbia protests, which included unlawful actions and inflammatory messaging.
Promotion of BDS: Endorsed divestment campaigns targeting Israel and spread divisive narratives at public events.
Suppressing Campus Safety: Supported protests that restricted access to students and faculty, contributing to a hostile and unsafe environment.

A Tool for Extremism

Joseph Howley’s actions demonstrate a pattern of extremism, justification of terrorism, and disregard for campus safety. By aligning himself with radical movements that promote violence and exclusionary rhetoric, he has failed in his responsibility as an educator and campus leader. His continued influence at Columbia raises urgent questions about the university’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, student safety, and a truly inclusive campus environment.