Yes, that’s his real name. Here’s a summary of Jessica Costescu‘s expose in the Free Beacon.

Joseph Slaughter, an English professor at Columbia University, has sparked controversy with his comments on historic airplane hijackings. During an October lecture titled “Hijacking Human Rights,” Slaughter described the 1970s hijackings by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as “spectacular” and “remarkable,” citing footage of the events and praising the hijackers for feeding their captives. He framed the hijackings as part of a “national liberation imaginary” and highlighted how the media of that era referred to the hijackers as “guerrillas” or “liberation fighters” rather than terrorists. Slaughter’s remarks drew criticism for downplaying the violence of these incidents, including one in which a steward was shot by a hijacker, and for his claim that such actions played a role in reshaping international human rights discourse.

The lecture has drawn sharp criticism from students, alumni, and advocacy groups, who accuse Slaughter of glorifying terrorism and rewriting history. Critics have also pointed to the broader institutional climate at Columbia, where anti-Israel rhetoric has gained traction, as demonstrated by events such as a “Palestinian Resistance 101” panel featuring individuals linked to designated terror organizations. While Slaughter defended his comments as an academic exploration of historical narratives, many, including Ari Shrage of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, are calling for his suspension. The incident raises pressing questions about the boundaries of academic freedom and the ethical responsibilities of educators in addressing topics involving violence and terrorism.