Columbia University is facing backlash after a tenured professor, Joseph Massad, expressed support for Hamas' terror attacks against Israel. A petition has been created on Change.org by student Maya Platek, calling for Massad's removal from the faculty. The petition has gained over 45,000 signatures and accuses Massad of "condoning and supporting terrorism". Massad had referred to Hamas' attacks as a "stunning victory" in an article published on The Electronic Intifada.

Columbia University has refused to comment on the matter, but professors such as Cornel West have weighed in. West believes that Massad should not be removed and that everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, he also acknowledges the need for sympathy towards innocent people being killed in the conflict.

A professor who works with Massad has not taken a stance on the issue yet and has not signed either petition. They state that when they do sign a petition, it will indicate their position. This professor, who chose to remain anonymous, also mentions that the university has not made any statements regarding the situation.

The conflict between Massad and the petitioners has caused tension at Columbia University. The school closed its campus to the public after an Israeli student was beaten during an argument about the conflict. Students held vigils and erected memorials for the victims of the fighting. Additionally, there were dueling demonstrations on campus. The situation has escalated further as Hamas leaders called for a "global day of jihad".

Massad has been a professor at Columbia since 1999 and has faced previous investigations for making anti-Israeli remarks in class. His recent article praising Hamas' attacks has sparked outrage. In the article, he describes the Palestinian resistance fighters storming Israeli checkpoints as “astounding” and claims that it dealt a blow to the confidence of Israeli colonists in their military's ability to protect them.

The petition against Massad has gathered significant support, with over 20,000 signatures. Platek, the student who started the petition, criticizes Massad for refusing to condemn Hamas' actions and instead expressing support for the recognized terrorist organization. She argues that his comments encourage violence, misinformation, and put Jewish and Israeli students at risk on campus.

Columbia University has been criticized in the past for being a liberal hotbed of hate. Alums for Campus Fairness have mobilized a truck to call out Columbia Dean Josef Sorrett for not condemning the attack on Israel. The truck displays the message "DEAN SORETT: CONDEMN HAMAS TERRORISM NOW" alongside a graphic image of an Israeli child's room soaked in blood and pro-Palestinian protesters displaying a swastika.

Massad's previous censure includes a university investigation in 2005 that found him expressing anti-Israel views in the classroom and engaging in unacceptable behavior. He was granted tenure on his second attempt at promotion. He has been criticized by Columbia alums for his “Jew-baiting” history.

Platek explains that she started the petition after hearing concerns from fellow students and being shocked by Massad's article. She has received support from the Columbia student body, alumni, and others who are concerned about a professor at Columbia supporting terrorism.

There has been no response from Massad, Dean Sorett, or Columbia University regarding the petition and the controversy surrounding Massad's comments.