Homa Zarghamee

Homa Zarghamee is a Professor and Department Chair in Barnard College’s Department of Economics. She has used her position of authority to legitimize and promote anti-Israel activism on campus, directly encouraging students to engage with events and rhetoric tied to Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP) and its allies.

Introduction of Francesca Albanese
On November 1, 2024, Zarghamee introduced Francesca Albanese at a Barnard event about Gaza hosted by FSJP CBT. Albanese, who has been widely criticized for antisemitic rhetoric, was given a platform through this event. Zarghamee’s role in introducing her and associating the Barnard Economics Department with such programming highlights her direct involvement in promoting divisive activism on campus.

Encouraging Student Attendance
Ahead of the November 1 event, Zarghamee encouraged Barnard students to attend by sending out an email invitation. This active promotion positioned her not only as a faculty participant but also as an organizer amplifying the event to students.

Defense of Student Rhetoric After October 7
Following the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, Zarghamee signed a letter defending student activists’ language and opposing the doxxing of students. This action aligned her with faculty who excused or shielded antisemitic rhetoric on campus rather than condemning it.

Conclusion
By introducing controversial speakers, promoting FSJP events to students, and defending inflammatory student rhetoric after October 7, Homa Zarghamee has contributed to an environment at Barnard and Columbia where antisemitic hostility is tolerated and legitimized under the banner of academic freedom. Her actions directly tie Barnard’s faculty leadership to campus activism that undermines Jewish student safety and campus cohesion.