Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
United States

Three Columbia University deans resign over controversial antisemitic texts

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Three Columbia University deans resigned after exchanging texts that evoked antisemitic tropes during an alumni event.
  • The university's swift response included placing the deans on indefinite leave and launching an internal investigation.
  • The incident has sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism on college campuses and the importance of maintaining an inclusive environment.

Three Columbia University deans have resigned following the revelation of text messages that evoked antisemitic tropes during an alumni event. The incident has sparked a significant debate on campus and beyond, highlighting the challenges universities face in addressing antisemitism and maintaining an inclusive environment.

The controversy began during an alumni weekend event on May 31, where a panel discussion on Jewish life at Columbia took place. During the event, three deans—Susan Chang-Kim, Cristen Kromm, and Matthew Patashnick—exchanged text messages that were later described as "very troubling" and "evoking longstanding antisemitic stereotypes" by Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.

The texts were leaked by a conservative media outlet, which obtained images of the messages through an attendee who photographed one of the deans' phones. The messages included sarcastic and disparaging remarks about Jewish panelists and their concerns regarding antisemitism on campus.

The Content of the Texts

The leaked messages revealed a dismissive and mocking tone towards the panelists. One message suggested that a panelist discussing antisemitism was leveraging the issue for fundraising purposes. Another message criticized a campus rabbi's written work on the topic, accompanied by vomit emojis. These texts were seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining the seriousness of antisemitism.

University's Response

In response to the leaked texts, Columbia University took swift action. The three deans were initially placed on indefinite leave in June, and an internal investigation was launched. President Shafik addressed the university community in a letter, stating that the messages were "unprofessional" and "deeply upsetting," and assured that those involved would be held accountable.

By early August, the university announced that the three deans had resigned from their positions. The resignations were confirmed by a university spokesperson, who emphasized the institution's commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering a respectful environment for all students and staff.

Reactions and Criticism

The resignations have elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some members of the university community and Jewish organizations have praised Columbia for taking decisive action against antisemitism. More than 1,200 people signed a petition demanding accountability and stronger measures to protect Jewish students and faculty.

However, others have criticized the university's handling of the situation, arguing that the response was too severe. Some believe that the deans should have been given an opportunity to publicly apologize and make amends rather than being forced to resign.

Broader Implications

This incident at Columbia University is part of a larger conversation about antisemitism on college campuses. Universities across the United States have faced increasing scrutiny over their handling of antisemitic incidents and the protection of Jewish students. The Columbia case underscores the importance of addressing such issues promptly and effectively to maintain trust and inclusivity within the academic community.

Quotes from Key Figures

In her letter to the university community, President Shafik stated, "The incident unveiled behaviors and attitudes that were not only unprofessional but also, alarmingly, invoked longstanding antisemitic stereotypes. Regardless of whether these sentiments were intended, they are intolerable and profoundly disturbing, demonstrating a disregard for the concerns and experiences of our Jewish community members, which is contrary to the values of our University and the standards we must maintain within our community".

The resignation of the three Columbia University deans serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating antisemitism and fostering an inclusive environment on college campuses. While the university's response has been met with both praise and criticism, it highlights the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to address and prevent discrimination in all its forms.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 18, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Israel kills Hamas commander in Lebanon

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel's military has confirmed the killing of a senior Hamas commander in Lebanon, further testing the fragile ceasefire that has held...

United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 5, 2025 at 12:30:00 AM

Trump tariff dispute could threaten housing market stability

[UNITED STATES] As the U.S. enters a new phase of tariff negotiations, the housing market is poised to feel the effects. Former President...

Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Israel strikes Hamas commander in Lebanon, tensions surge

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel's military has confirmed the killing of a senior Hamas commander in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region and threatening...

Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 6:00:00 PM

Hungary emerges as Singapore’s gateway to the European market

[SINGAPORE] According to a new analysis, Singapore companies looking to expand into the European Union (EU) should consider Hungary as a gateway due...

United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 5:00:00 PM

FTSE 100 falls as IMF warns of Trump tariffs

[EUROPE] The FTSE 100 plunged to its lowest level since January on Thursday as global markets reacted to a stark warning from the...

Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 3:00:00 PM

Singapore’s heatwave plan and the push for climate resilience

[SINGAPORE] The Republic's recently announced heatwave plan sends a strong message that excessive heat is something we must all prepare for. According to...

Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Singapore retail sales fall amid early Chinese New Year timing

[SINGAPORE] Singapore's retail sales experienced a 3.6% year-on-year decline in February, a drop attributed to the timing of Chinese New Year (CNY) and...

Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM

Shell sells stake in Colonial Enterprises to Brookfield for $1.45 billion

[UNITED STATES] Shell has agreed to sell its 50% stake in Colonial Enterprises, a subsidiary that holds a network of critical U.S. energy...

Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Oil faces worst week in months amid new tariffs

[WORLD] Oil prices are on track to experience their worst week in months following the announcement of new tariffs by former President Donald...

United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Donald Trump's nomination for Beijing envoy underlines the US commitment to the one-China policy

[WORLD] In a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday, David Perdue, President Donald Trump's nominee for US ambassador to China, highlighted the...

Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Malaysia’s 2025 growth forecast lowered amid rising trade tensions

[MALAYSIA] RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) has reduced Malaysia's GDP forecast for 2025 downward to 4.5 percent from an earlier projection of...

Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
April 4, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Israeli airstrike on Gaza school kills 27

[MIDDLE EAST] An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City has killed at least 27 Palestinians, including 14 children and five women,...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege