Columbia University removes three administrators after antisemitic texting scandal

Columbia University has "permanently removed" three senior administrators from their positions after a series of text messages appeared to show them downplaying the concerns of Jewish students on campus in light of pro-Palestinian protests that embroiled the school for weeks.

Susan Chang-Kim, now-former vice dean and chief administrative officer, Cristen Kromm, now-former dean of undergraduate student life, and Matthew Patashnick, now-former associate dean for student and family support, "remain on leave at this time," according to a schoolwide email reportedly sent by President Minouche Shafik and Provost Angela Olinto on Monday.

It is unclear if the administrators are simply being reassigned, or will ultimately be forced out of the school entirely. The school did not respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.

“This incident revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes,” Shafik wrote. “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.”

The removals come after the House Education and Workforce Committee published transcripts of the text messages last week, which also showed Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett participating in the messages.

Sorett remains in his position, but is recusing himself from investigations into the other deans, the school told the Washington Examiner last week. However, the decision to keep Sorett flies in the face of a petition circulated by students, faculty, staff, and alumni calling for Sorett's resignation, in addition to the departure of the other three administrators involved. That petition appeared to have nearly 1,400 signatures as of Monday.

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The controversial messages were sent during a panel discussion about antisemitism on campus.

The text thread showed the three now-removed administrators driving the discussion, which involved Patashnick appearing to claim that Brian Cohen, who leads the school's center for Jewish life, was going to fundraise off of the encampments at the school. Chang-Kim appeared to call Cohen "such a problem" and also said that Jewish students bringing their safety concerns to light "comes from such a place of privilege."