3 Columbia University Deans Resign Amid Controversy Over Antisemitic Text Messages

New York: Three deans at Columbia University have resigned following the revelation of troubling text message exchanges that were described by the university administration as touching on "ancient anti semitic tropes." The resignations were confirmed by a university spokesperson late on Thursday.

The individuals involved are Cristen Kromm, former dean of undergraduate student life; Matthew Patashnick, former associate dean for student and family support; and Susan Chang-Kim, former vice dean and chief administrative officer. All three had previously been placed on leave while an investigation into the matter was conducted.

The controversial text exchanges occurred during a campus event titled "Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future." The event took place against a backdrop of widespread protests at Columbia and other universities across the United States, driven by opposition to Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza.

In a statement released in July, Columbia University condemned the behavior exhibited in the text messages, stating that it was not only unprofessional but also disturbingly reminiscent of longstanding antisemitic stereotypes. The university’s administration has not provided further details regarding the content of the messages or the circumstances surrounding the resignations.

Efforts to reach the three former deans for comment were unsuccessful.

The controversy at Columbia is part of a larger wave of unrest across US campuses, where protests have erupted over the country's support for Israel in its conflict with Gaza. According to local health authorities in Gaza, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

The conflict was reignited on October 7 when Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group governing Gaza, launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel’s military response has prompted allegations of genocide at the World Court, which Israel has vehemently denied. In turn, Israel accuses Hamas of seeking the genocide of Israelis.

The protests at Columbia and other universities have called for an end to the conflict, a cessation of U.S. military aid to Israel, and the divestment of university funds from companies that support Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. These demonstrations have also been marked by accusations of both antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric.

Columbia University became a focal point for these protests, with students setting up encampments and clashes with police resulting in violent arrests. The resignations of the three deans are the latest development in a period of intense scrutiny and unrest at the prestigious institution.

(With Inputs From Reuters)