Joseph Howley, an associate professor of classics at Columbia University, has drawn criticism for his participation in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April and May 2024 and his public defense of Hamas terrorism. Howley has been actively involved in Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP-CBT), where he has served as a coordinating committee member. His rhetoric and actions have contributed to an environment of hostility and incitement on campus.

Joseph Howley’s Justification of Terror

Howley signed an October 30, 2023, faculty letter that justified the October 7 Hamas terror attacks, which included mass murder, kidnappings, and other war crimes. The letter described the attacks as a “military response” and framed them as a form of resistance. By endorsing such language, Howley helped normalize terrorism under the guise of anti-colonial rhetoric. He also spoke at multiple rallies and events that supported Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiatives while spreading inflammatory narratives about Israel.

History of Racism

In April 2024, Howley actively supported the Columbia encampment, which was marked by antisemitic slogans, violent incidents, and criminal actions, including vandalism and hostage-taking. Howley appeared in videos and photos wearing a vest identifying him as faculty while participating in the encampment. He reportedly blocked access to Jewish students, endorsed extremist messages, and publicly defended the protests despite their illegal nature. His actions have amplified antisemitic rhetoric and emboldened extremist movements under the banner of activism.

Highlighting His Activity:

• Defense of Terrorism: Signed a letter justifying the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, describing them as a “military response” and part of “resistance.”
• Active Protest Participation: Played a visible role in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia, marked by violent incidents and antisemitic rhetoric.
• Promotion of BDS: Spoke at rallies supporting divestment campaigns targeting Israel, reinforcing divisive and inflammatory narratives.
• Hostile Campus Actions: Participated in efforts that blocked access for Jewish students and supported protests involving vandalism and hostage-taking.