Columbia University places three deans on leave over inappropriate texts on antisemitism

Three associate deans at Columbia University were placed on administrative leave this week, pending a review of text messages that included disparaging comments regarding an antisemitism panel.

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. Nearly 50 people were arrested in the protests, but many of the cases have since been dropped due to a lack of evidence.

The three deans, identified as Susan Chang-Kim, Matthew Patashnick and Cristen Kromm, were discussing an antisemitism panel on May 31, according to Fox News, where one person claimed the panel was "difficult to listen to."

"The Dean of Columbia College informed his team today that three administrators have been placed on leave pending a university investigation of the incident that occurred at the College alumni reunion several weeks ago," a spokesperson for the school told the outlet.

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," per the Washington Free Beacon.

Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia University was also in the group chat, but has not been placed on leave. He has since "reiterated his commitment to learning from this situation and other incidents over the last year to build a community of respect and healthy dialogue," the school said.

Members of Congress also reacted to the text messages earlier this week, with House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx requesting a copy of the text messages on Monday.

"I was appalled, but sadly not surprised, to learn Columbia administrators exchanged disparaging text messages during a panel that discussed antisemitism at the University," Foxx said in a statement.

A university spokesperson said the school will respond to Foxx's request, but did not specify whether it would do so by Foxx's June 26 deadline.

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