Current:Home > ContactColumbia University deans resign after exchanging disparaging texts during meeting on antisemitism -Thrive Success Strategies
Columbia University deans resign after exchanging disparaging texts during meeting on antisemitism
View
Date:2025-04-15 03:09:23
NEW YORK (AP) — Three deans at Columbia University have resigned after exchanging disparaging texts during a campus discussion about Jewish life and antisemitism, the school confirmed Thursday.
The resignations come a month after Columbia said it had removed the administrators from their positions and would keep them on leave indefinitely. University President Minouche Shafik said in a July 8 letter to the school community that the messages were unprofessional and “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.”
“Whether intended as such or not, these sentiments are unacceptable and deeply upsetting,” Shafik wrote.
The deans were first put on leave after a conservative news outlet published images of what it said were texts they exchanged while attending a May 31 panel discussion titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present and Future.”
They have not been identified by Columbia, but their names have circulated widely in media reports.
The panel was held at an annual alumni event a month after university leaders called in police to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from an occupied administration building and dismantle a tent encampment that had threatened to disrupt graduation ceremonies.
The Washington Free Beacon obtained some of the private messages through someone who attended the event and took photos of one of the deans’ phones.
Some included snarky comments about people in the university community. One suggested that a panelist speaking about antisemitism planned to use it as a fundraising opportunity. Another disparaged a campus rabbi’s essay about antisemitism.
The administrators have not commented publicly since their exchange became public in June. Two of them — Cristen Kromm, the former dean of undergraduate student life, and Matthew Patashnick, the former associate dean for student and family support — did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment. The third, Susan Chang-Kim, could not immediately be reached.
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has since published some of the messages.
Shafik has promised to launch a “vigorous program of antisemitism and antidiscrimination training for faculty and staff” in the fall, as well as related training for students.
veryGood! (953)
Related
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Worst Case Climate Scenario Might Be (Slightly) Less Dire Than Thought
- In Wildfire’s Wake, Another Threat: Drinking Water Contamination
- Ocean Warming Is Speeding Up, with Devastating Consequences, Study Shows
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- States Are Doing What Big Government Won’t to Stop Climate Change, and Want Stimulus Funds to Help
- Biden hosts India's Modi for state visit, navigating critical relationship amid human rights concerns
- After Two Nights of Speeches, Activists Ask: Hey, What About Climate Change?
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Doctors rally to defend abortion provider Caitlin Bernard after she was censured
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Heart transplant recipient dies after being denied meds in jail; ACLU wants an inquiry
- Roll Call: Here's What Bama Rush's Sorority Pledges Are Up to Now
- Biden’s Early Climate Focus and Hard Years in Congress Forged His $2 Trillion Clean Energy Plan
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Making It Easier For Kids To Get Help For Addiction, And Prevent Overdoses
- A woman in Ecuador was mistakenly declared dead. A doctor says these cases are rare
- A woman is in custody after refusing tuberculosis treatment for more than a year
Recommendation
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
Connecticut Program Makes Solar Affordable for Low-Income Families
Biden hosts India's Modi for state visit, navigating critical relationship amid human rights concerns
Addiction drug maker will pay more than $102 million fine for stifling competition
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
When work gets too frustrating, some employees turn to rage applying
Senate 2020: In Storm-Torn North Carolina, an Embattled Republican Tries a Climate-Friendly Image
Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $69