Najam Haider, a professor and department chair at Barnard College, part of Columbia University, has drawn widespread condemnation for his unapologetic support of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for horrific war crimes and atrocities. Through public statements and affiliations, Haider has consistently promoted dangerous rhetoric that glorifies violence and excuses acts of terror, undermining the principles of human rights and justice.
An Extremist on Campus
Justifying Hamas War Crimes
- On October 30, 2023, Haider signed an open letter that shockingly referred to Hamas’s mass atrocities as a “military response” and framed their terror acts as part of a so-called “right to resist.”
- The letter excused Hamas’s violent rampage, including murder, torture, rape, and beheadings, by describing it as a reaction to years of alleged occupation.
- Haider’s endorsement of the statement equates to a blatant justification of terror, minimizing the barbarity of the crimes committed and ignoring the suffering of the victims.
Promotion of Extremist Narratives
- Haider’s rhetoric mirrors the language of extremist groups, referring to Hamas’s actions as “resistance”—a euphemism often used to glorify violence and terrorism. His alignment with such rhetoric raises concerns about his influence as an academic and the messaging he spreads to students.
Affiliation with Extremist Movements
- In November 2023, Haider supported Columbia chapters of organizations that were suspended for policy violations following their open endorsement of Hamas’s violence. His public defense of these groups demonstrates his continued alignment with entities that promote extremist ideologies.
- Haider retweeted content from Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine-CBT (FSJP-CBT), an organization that amplifies calls for confrontation under the guise of “justice” while spreading divisive propaganda.\
A Threatening Influence in Academia
As the chair of Barnard College’s Department of Religion, Haider holds a position of influence over students and academic discourse. His propagation of extremist sympathies under the pretext of academic freedom undermines the values of inclusivity and critical inquiry. By presenting terror as justifiable and perpetuating harmful narratives, Haider risks radicalizing young minds and fostering hostility on campus.
Conclusion
Najam Haider’s public statements and actions reflect an unrelenting endorsement of violence and a dangerous alignment with extremist ideologies. His willingness to justify acts of terror under the pretense of “resistance” is not only reprehensible but also deeply concerning given his prominent role in academia. By using his platform to spread harmful rhetoric, Haider exemplifies a betrayal of the principles of education and justice.
