"Columbia Unbecoming” in the Clear Light of Day
Monique Dols
The Electronic Intifada, November 5, 2004

In this article, Columbia student Monique Dols argues that the David Project-sponsored film, “Columbia Unbecoming”, presents a biased, politically motivated vision of events on campus, inaccurately representing the professors it targets. Dols was a member of the class Professor Joseph Massad taught (Israeli-Palestinian Politics and Societies), during which some of the alleged incidents of intimidation filed with the Ad Hoc Committee and highlighted in “Columbia Unbecoming” took place. Dols claims that she did not witness inappropriate behavior on the behalf of Professor Massad and, rather, appreciated the open manner in which students were allowed to proceed with discussion in class. Dols argues that the production of “Columbia Unbecoming”, and much of the parallel criticism of MEALAC professors, is motivated not by a desire to defend the academic freedom of students on campus, but by a desire to silence those questioning actions of the US and of the state of Israel. (back to academic freedom)