diff --git a/api/src/org/labkey/api/query/QueryUpdateForm.java b/api/src/org/labkey/api/query/QueryUpdateForm.java
index 5a3db0daf78..f3ad03b2360 100644
--- a/api/src/org/labkey/api/query/QueryUpdateForm.java
+++ b/api/src/org/labkey/api/query/QueryUpdateForm.java
@@ -97,8 +97,9 @@ else if (c == BACKSLASH)
                 sb.append(c);
         }
 
+        // Issue 54094: Ensure it works when backslash is the last character
         if (escaping)
-            throw new IllegalArgumentException("Invalid escape at end of encoded name: " + columnName);
+            sb.append(BACKSLASH);
 
         return getTable().getColumn(sb.toString());
     }