Columbia University continues to face consequences over antisemitic incidents

Billionaire and U.S. News & World Report owner Mortimer Zuckerman pulled a hefty sum of donations to Columbia University due to their handling of antisemitism issues on their campus, The Washington Free Beacon reported.

Zuckerman, an avid philanthropist, has a longstanding history of donating to Columbia University as he had pledged 200 million dollars to go toward their Mind Brain Behavior Institute, according to The Washington Free Beacon.

The decision from Zuckerman to stop donating came in light of previous reports of rampant antisemitism instances occurring on Columbia’s campus.

Four Columbia deans have recently been slammed for antisemitic texts that were exchanged by them during a panel at the university, as The Center Square previously reported. These antisemitic texts from the Columbia admin included various disparaging remarks towards several Jewish staff members and students discussing antisemitism during a discussion panel.

Columbia is also one of several colleges in America that has scrutinized by Congress, as Congress announced they are probing antisemitism issues at different colleges, The Center Square previously reported.

Columbia is just one of many college campuses in the U.S. that has experienced rising antisemitism alongside campus protests over the events of Oct 7.

The controversial texts exchanged between the Columbia admin caused a massive uproar in the university’s community, with many calling for disciplinary action to be taken against the involved deans.

Columbia students, faculty, and others recently addressed an open letter to Columbia President Minouche Shafik as well as to board of trustee members urging them to “take action” against the deans who made the antisemitic remarks.

“The complicity of Dean Sorett’s leadership team, who represent and convey the philosophy and practice of the Dean, erodes confidence in the College’s ability to embody In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen – ‘In Thy light shall we see light,'” the letter said. “How can these deans illuminate the path toward understanding and respect when the behavior of College leadership reflects contempt for our Jewish community? How can any student seek solace from this Office knowing the administration mocks them behind their backs? How can alumni ever trust these individuals to steward the College forward?

“We urge you to take swift and decisive action,” the letter added.

Shafik and Provost of Columbia University Angela Olinto released a statement last week regarding actions they are taking following the controversy stemming from the school deans’ offensive text exchanges.

“This incident revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes,” Shafik said. “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 said in her statement that Columbia would be starting up a “vigorous program” for "antidiscrimination and antisemitism training" starting during the Fall semester.

Olinto’s message detailed the decisions that Columbia took regarding consequences for the four deans.

“The three staff members involved have been permanently removed from their positions at Columbia College and remain on leave at this time,” Olinto said.

While Olinto’s message mentions Columbia’s decision to have three of the deans permanently placed on leave, they decided to keep on one of the deans despite his involvement with the antisemitic text controversy.

One of the other deans involved with the antisemitic texting scandal, Josef Sorrett, will remain in his position as Dean, according to Olinto’s statement.

"Dean Sorett will be writing to the Columbia College community separately." Olinto said. “He has apologized and taken full responsibility, committing to the work and collaboration necessary to heal the community and learn from this moment, and make sure nothing like this ever happens again. He has also reached out to leaders of our Jewish community for their partnership.”

"I am eager to work closely with Columbia College’s leaders, leaders of our Jewish community, and partners across the University as we undertake this deeply important part of our mission," Olinto said.

In light of these announcements from Columbia, some people are alleging that the other three deans are not actually permanently ousted but instead are going to be “reassigned” to different roles at the school, The Washington Free Beacon reported.

How things will shake out on Columbia's campus during the Fall following these controversies remains to be seen.