“The New McCarthyism”
Juan Cole
Salon.com, April 22, 2005
(full text)

The criticism of Professor Joseph Massad of Columbia University in 2005 is reminiscent of anti-Communist investigations in universities during the McCarthy era. Massad had been under attack by several students, a Zionist organization, and conservative tabloids with claims that he threatened and intimidated students who were pro-Israel. Although the claims against Massad were backed by no evidence, Columbia investigated the actions of Massad, exhibiting the ability of outsiders to intimidate universities today. (Back to academic freedom)