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Edited by: TJVNews.com
Columbia University is embroiled in controversy following the revelation of anti-Semitic texts exchanged by multiple deans. This incident has led to significant administrative changes and a broader discussion about the university’s values and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
The controversy came to light through a report by the conservative outlet The Washington Free Beacon, which disclosed the contents of the texts exchanged during an on-campus event titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future,” as was reported on Monday on TheHill.com web site. The messages, deemed anti-Semitic, prompted swift action from the university’s administration.
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This text chain from Deans at Columbia University is beyond disgusting. They should all be fired and the University lose its Federal funding.
1/ pic.twitter.com/wJUWjvmFxi— Matthew Feinberg (@thewebbie) July 2, 2024
In a letter to the Columbia University community, President Minouche Shafik expressed her deep concern and disappointment over the incident. According to the information provided in TheHill.com report, sShe described the texts as “unprofessional” and “disturbingly touched on ancient anti-Semitic tropes.” Shafik emphasized that such sentiments are unacceptable and undermine the university’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all its members.
— Matthew Feinberg (@thewebbie) July 2, 2024
“Whether intended as such or not, these sentiments are unacceptable and deeply upsetting, conveying a lack of seriousness about the concerns and the experiences of members of our Jewish community that is antithetical to our University’s values and the standards we must uphold in our community,” Shafik wrote, as was indicated in TheHill.com report.
TheHill.com also reported that the fallout from this incident has been significant. Three administrators have been placed on indefinite leave: Cristen Kromm, former dean of undergraduate student life; Matthew Patashnick, former associate dean for student and family support; and Susan Chang-Kim, former vice dean and chief administrative officer. Although these individuals have been removed from their positions, they remain employed by the university.
Josef Sorett, Dean of Columbia College and one of the administrators involved, issued a public apology. “While not intended as such, some of the text messages exchanged may call to mind anti-Semitic tropes. Any language that demeans members of our community, or divides us from one another, is simply unacceptable. I am deeply sorry that this happened in a community that I lead and, that I was part of any of the exchanges, and I pledge to spearhead the change we need to ensure this never happens again,” Sorett said, the report on TheHill.com said
— Matthew Feinberg (@thewebbie) July 2, 2024
Despite his involvement, Sorett was not removed from his position. Instead, he has committed to leading efforts to address the issue and rebuild trust within the university community.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation within Columbia University about anti-Semitism and the importance of creating a supportive environment for all students and faculty, TheHill.com report noted.
“These actions, while necessary, are part of a larger effort to reaffirm our commitment to the values that define Columbia University,” Shafik stated, according to TheHill.com. She also acknowledged the pain and hurt that such revelations have caused within the Jewish community on campus and beyond.
The texts included disparaging remarks about panelists and dismissive comments about concerns of anti-Semitism on campus. For instance, Matthew Patashnick, former Associate Dean for Student and Family Support, described a panelist as “taking full advantage of this moment” for “huge fundraising potential,” as was reported by TheHil.com report. Susan Chang-Kim, former Vice Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, made a rude remark about another panelist, to which Sorett responded with “LMAO.” These exchanges reveal a troubling lack of seriousness regarding the issues faced by the Jewish community.
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee. According to TheHill.com report, she condemned Chang-Kim’s remark about Jewish students needing a safe space, which was dismissed as coming from a place of “privilege.”
“Jewish students deserve better than to have harassment and threats against them dismissed as ‘privilege,’ and Jewish faculty members deserve better than to be mocked by their colleagues,” said Foxx. “These text messages once again confirm the need for serious accountability across Columbia’s campus.”
This controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened tensions on campus related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Recent months have seen student protests, including a brief takeover of a building, as students camped out to express their views.
