Three Columbia University Deans Resign Over Antisemitic Texts

Three Columbia University deans resigned following troubling text messages that invoked ancient antisemitic tropes. The texts surfaced amid campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza. The deans were previously put on leave as the university investigated the incident, which occurred during an event on Jewish life on campus.

Three Columbia University deans, involved in troubling text message exchanges invoking 'ancient antisemitic tropes,' have resigned, a university spokesperson announced late Thursday.

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, were initially placed on leave pending an investigation. The texts were exchanged during an event titled 'Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future,' following weeks of national protests over Israel's Gaza conflict.

'This incident revealed not only unprofessional behavior but also disturbingly old antisemitic sentiments,' the university stated in July. The deans could not be reached for comment. The spokesperson confirmed their resignations without further details.

The backdrop includes months of U.S. protests against the country's support for Israel's Gaza offensive, which, according to the local health ministry, has resulted in around 40,000 Palestinian deaths, mass displacement, and a hunger crisis. The latest violence was sparked by an Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 250 hostages.

Israel faces genocide allegations at the World Court, which it denies while accusing Hamas of seeking genocide against Israel. Campus protests have called for an end to the war, cessation of U.S. military support, and university divestment from companies aiding Israel's occupation of Palestinian land.

Incidents of antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric have surfaced amid these protests. Columbia became a hotspot with student encampments and violent police arrests.

(With inputs from agencies.)