Details about the attack on Professor Massad of Columbia University (whom a New York Congressman has called on Columbia to fire) are here. The allegations of misconduct vis-a-vis a student are serious, but not grounds for termination. And these allegations, so far unproven, are simply not the primary focus of the attack, which is on Professor Massad’s political views. It is part of a more general campaign by the right against the entire academic field of Middle Eastern Studies (some details here and here).

(Note: as of this morning, the on-line petitition (linked above) was not working properly.)