Columbia University removes three deans over inappropriate texts on antisemitism

Columbia University announced Monday that it had permanently removed three associate deans from their positions, after they texted inappropriate messages during an antisemitism panel in May.

Jewish students and faculty at the Ivy League school have been talking about antisemitic attacks for months, including when hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters shut down the New York campus in April. The three deans were previously placed on administrative leave pending a review.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik said the behavior of the three deans, previously identified as Susan Chang-Kim, Matthew Patashnick and Cristen Kromm, was "unprofessional" and "touched on ancient antisemetic tropes."

“Whether intended as such or not, these sentiments are unacceptable and deeply upsetting," Shafik said in a statement. "[They conveyed] 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.”

The three deans were discussing an antisemitism panel in a group chat on May 31, where one person claimed the panel was "difficult to listen to." The texts also included the use of the vomit emoji when referring to a rabbi's op-ed about antisemitism, and an accusation that one of the panelists was using the moment for its "fundraising potential."

A fourth dean, who was also part of the group chat, was not removed from his leadership position after he apologized for his behavior and took responsibility for his role.

“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,” Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College, said in a message to students on Monday.

The university's provost Angela Olinto also expressed disappointment at the three staff members' behavior.

“Their conduct was wrong and contrary to the mission and values of our institution,” Olinto said. “It revealed, at best, an ignorance of the history of antisemitism.”

Olinto said other staff at Columbia College will step into the vacant roles in the short term. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.