Administration Takes Action Following Revelations of Inappropriate Messaging
Columbia University has removed multiple deans from their positions after a series of text messages containing antisemitic tropes came to light. The university’s president, Minouche Shafik, addressed the issue in a letter to the community on Monday, stating that the messages exhibited behavior and sentiments that were “unprofessional” and disturbingly touched on “ancient antisemitic tropes.”
President Shafik’s response
In her letter, President Shafik emphasized the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism. “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.
Incident details
The texts were exchanged during an on-campus event titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future” and were first reported by The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet. Four administrators were involved in the messaging, including 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.
Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College, was also part of the group chat but has not been removed from his position. The other three administrators have been placed on indefinite leave but remain employed by the university.
Dean Sorett’s apology
Angela Olinto, the university’s provost, stated that Sorett has taken full responsibility for his actions, issued a public apology, and is committed to working with the campus community to rebuild trust. “While not intended as such, some of the text messages exchanged may call to mind antisemitic 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.
Among the controversial messages, Patashnick commented that a panelist was “taking full advantage of this moment” and saw “huge fundraising potential.” The group also appeared to mock concerns about antisemitism on campus, with Chang-Kim making a derogatory remark about a panelist, to which Sorett responded, “LMAO.”
Reactions and statements
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee, criticized Chang-Kim’s comment that Jewish students seeking a safe space “comes from a place of privilege.” Foxx stated, “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. These text messages once again confirm the need for serious accountability across Columbia’s campus.”
Context of the controversy
The incident follows a period of heightened tensions at Columbia University related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, during which students staged protests and briefly occupied a building on campus.
The university’s swift action reflects its commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of its community.
