Columbia University Administrators on Leave After Disparaging Texts About Antisemitism Emerge
Columbia University has placed three administrators on leave following the revelation of text messages they exchanged during a panel discussion about antisemitism on campus. The messages, which were first published by the conservative news website The Washington Free Beacon, show the administrators making disparaging and dismissive remarks about the panel’s speakers and the issue of antisemitism itself. The university’s decision to place these administrators on leave comes amidst heightened scrutiny over the institution’s handling of antisemitism and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Key Takeaways:
- Three Columbia University administrators have been placed on leave: These administrators, identified as Susan Chang-Kim, Cristen Kromm, and Matthew Patashnick, were reportedly found to have exchanged disparaging text messages during a panel discussion about antisemitism at a Columbia College reunion in May.
- The administrators’ texts displayed a lack of seriousness toward the issue of antisemitism: Messages revealed by The Washington Free Beacon show the administrators making light of the panel discussion and mocking its participants.
- The incident comes amidst growing tensions at Columbia University: The university has been grappling with student protests, faculty resolutions of no confidence, and online harassment targeting both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian students.
- The controversy has drawn attention from Congress: Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Committee on Education & Workforce, is demanding that Columbia University provide her committee with the text messages by June 26.
A Heated Debate Over Antisemitism and the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Columbia University has been at the center of a national conversation surrounding antisemitism and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The university’s response to student protests and its handling of these incidents have drawn criticism from both sides of the debate.
In April, a group of students occupied Hamilton Hall, a building housing administrative offices, demanding that the university divest from Israeli companies and take other actions in support of the Palestinian cause. The occupation resulted in the arrest of 46 protesters, with 31 of those charges subsequently dropped by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. In May, Columbia University canceled its main commencement ceremony following the protests and subsequently endured a vote of no confidence from its Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
The university’s handling of these protests was seen by some as a sign of its inability to respond effectively to the complex and sensitive situation on campus. Meanwhile, accusations of antisemitism against protesters and other pro-Palestinian voices have also surfaced. Jewish students have reported feeling targeted and unsafe, particularly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.
The Text Messages and the University’s Response
The latest controversy at Columbia University revolves around the text messages exchanged by the three administrators during the panel discussion on antisemitism. The messages, which were captured on a personal phone and shared with The Washington Free Beacon, paint a troubling picture of the administrators’ attitudes towards the topic.
In one exchange, Chang-Kim, the vice dean and chief administrative officer, texted Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College, "Difficult to listen to but I’m trying to keep an open mind to learn about this point of view." Sorett responded simply, "yup."
In another exchange, Kromm, the dean of undergraduate student life, texted her colleagues a message referring to a 2023 opinion essay by Yonah Hain, Columbia’s campus rabbi, titled "Sounding the Alarm." Kromm followed up the message with two vomit emojis.
Patashnick, the associate dean for student and family support, accused one of the panelists of "taking full advantage of this moment," writing "Huge fundraising potential."
These exchanges have been condemned as insensitive and unprofessional, undermining the university’s commitment to addressing antisemitism. The university’s decision to place these administrators on leave reflects the gravity of the situation and the need to address concerns about the institution’s leadership.
The Future of Antisemitism Debate on Campus
The events at Columbia University highlight the challenges universities face in navigating the complex and sensitive issue of antisemitism on campus. While the university has attempted to address concerns about antisemitism through initiatives like its task force on antisemitism and its commitment to creating a more inclusive campus environment, the recent controversies demonstrate the need for continued efforts and vigilance.
The university’s handling of the text message controversy will be watched closely as a test of its commitment to addressing antisemitism and fostering a more inclusive community. The university’s response to the congressional inquiry from Rep. Foxx will also be crucial in determining how it intends to move forward.
The controversy at Columbia University serves as a stark reminder of the challenges universities face in navigating the complex and sensitive issue of antisemitism, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The university’s response to this incident will have broad implications for how it approaches issues of diversity and inclusion on campus, and its influence could reach far beyond its own halls.
