Columbia University Deans Under Fire for Mocking Jewish Students’ Concerns of Antisemitism

[Social Media]

 

Newly released text messages have brought Columbia University into the spotlight, revealing a shocking lack of sensitivity and respect from several of its deans towards Jewish students. The messages, disclosed by the House Education Committee, show Associate Deans Josef Sorett, Susan Chang-Kim, Matthew Patashnick, and Cristen Kromm making dismissive and derisive remarks during a May 31 alumni event about Jewish life on campus.

 

 

In one exchange, Matthew Patashnick, Associate Dean for Student and Family Support, commented, "Laying the case to expand physical space! They will have their own dorm soon." This prompted Susan Chang-Kim, Vice Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of Columbia College, to respond, "Comes from such a place of privilege." She added, “Hard to hear the woe is me, we need to huddle at the Kraft center Huh?? Trying to be open minded to understand but the doors are closing.” Cristen Kromm joined the conversation with, "Amazing what $$$$ can do," and later, "If only every identity community had these resources and support."

 

 

The context for these remarks was a panel discussion featuring Columbia’s Kraft Center for Jewish Life executive director Brian Cohen, former Columbia Law School dean David Schizer, religious life dean Ian Rottenberg, and Rebecca Massel, a rising Columbia junior and journalist. The discussion was centered on the experiences and concerns of Jewish students on campus, particularly regarding antisemitism.

 

 

The Washington Free Beacon first reported the text exchanges, highlighting one particularly egregious message where vomit emojis were used in reference to an op-ed about antisemitism by Columbia’s Campus Rabbi Yonah Hain. The publication also noted a disturbing response from Chang-Kim to a Holocaust survivor, Orly Mishan, who expressed fears about her daughter facing antisemitism on campus. Chang-Kim wrote, "I’m going to throw up," in reaction to Mishan's comments about student protesters supporting Hamas following the terror group’s massacre in Israel on October 7. Patashnick remarked, “His use of the word Hamas is interesting. Students generally weren’t protesting for Hamas.”

 

 

These revelations come amidst broader tensions at Columbia University, where Jewish students have reported feeling marginalized and unsafe. The university has been a focal point for anti-Israel demonstrations, with incidents such as the occupation of Hamilton Hall by masked pro-Hamas rioters, who broke windows and displayed flags calling for "intifada." Despite the severity of these actions, many arrested protestors saw their charges dropped by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

 

Columbia President Minouche Shafik has also faced criticism for her failure to clearly condemn antisemitic slogans, such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” during her testimony before Congress.

In response to the text message scandal, Chang-Kim, Patashnick, and Kromm have been placed on leave. Josef Sorett, who also participated in the texts, is cooperating with the investigation but will continue to serve as Dean of the College, recusing himself from all matters related to the investigation. Sorett had previously issued a private apology to Columbia’s Board of Visitors, stating that the texts did not reflect the views of any individual or the team.

 

House Education Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) condemned the deans' behavior, stating, "Jewish students deserve better than to have harassment and threats against them dismissed as 'privilege,' and Jewish faculty members deserve better than to be mocked by their colleagues." She emphasized the need for accountability across Columbia's campus.

 

A Columbia University official has reiterated the institution’s commitment to combatting antisemitism, pledging to take sustained, concrete action to ensure that Columbia is a safe and welcoming place for Jewish students and all community members.

 

Credit: NYP 2024-07-05

 

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[Cryingdick]

I wonder if Columbia will be around in twenty years.

[koolkarl]

The bigots of Columbia University.  Amazing.  Fire them all.

[RichardColeman]

Joe Biden voters at their finest ! 

[300sd]

Must be the reason the "children" have their priorities a little upside-down.

Disgusting antisemitic garbage hired to ruin our children! No wonder some are marching in the streets while cheering on Hamas and hating Jews. Hire garbage, teach garbage and this is what you get.

[Captain Flack]

A reported post breaking forum rules has been removed.

 

Rule 15. You will not discriminate or post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant factor.

[WDSmart]

Sounds okay to me. Why should any students be given special treatment?