Three Columbia University deans resign after insulting texts over panel on antisemitism: report

Three Columbia University deans have resigned after exchanging insulting texts during a panel on antisemitism concerns, according to a report.

The three deans were the vice dean and chief administrative officer Susan Chang-Kim; the dean of undergraduate student life, Cristen Kromm; and the associate dean for student and family support, Matthew Patashnick, The New York Times reported.

The deans resigned after they were placed on indefinite leave in June amid an investigation into an incident in May.

On May 31, following anti-Israel protests, the university held a panel discussion regarding antisemitism concerns on campus. During the panel, one dean suggested over text that a Jewish speaker was using concerns to fundraise, while another dean sent vomiting emojis in response to an opinion piece written in the university's newspaper by one of its rabbis.

Columbia University President Nemat Shafik said in July that the sentiments of the texts were “unacceptable and deeply upsetting, conveying a lack of seriousness about the concerns and the experiences of members of our Jewish community.”

She added that they were “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes” and “antithetical to our university’s values.”