Columbia dismisses three deans over ‘highly disturbing’ anti-Semitic messages

CNN
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Columbia University announced Monday that it has permanently removed three deans after discovering that they had engaged in “highly disturbing” text messages that addressed anti-Semitic themes.

In a letter, Columbia President Minouche Shafik pledged to hold those accountable for the “disturbing” incident, which occurred during a panel discussion on Jewish life at an alumni event on May 31.

“The incident revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also disturbingly touched on long-standing anti-Semitic tropes,” Shafik said in Monday’s statement.
“Whether intentional or not, these sentiments are unacceptable and deeply disturbing, as they reflect a lack of seriousness about the concerns and experiences of members of our Jewish community, which is contrary to the values ​​of our university and the standards we are expected to uphold in our community.”

Columbia leaders have been under fire for months for showing they are taking steps to combat anti-Semitism on campus and protect Jewish students and staff.

Angela Olinto, the head of Columbia University, said she shared Shafik’s “dismay” and announced that the three staff members involved “have been permanently relieved of their duties” and “will remain on leave at this time.”

“Their conduct was wrong and contrary to the mission and values ​​of our institution,” Olinto said. “It reveals, at best, an ignorance of the history of anti-Semitism.”

A Columbia spokesperson told CNN that all three officials are still employed by the university.

CNN has reached out to all three officials for comment.

However, Columbia reported that a fourth official involved in the text messages, Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College, remains in office after apologizing and taking responsibility.

On Monday, Sorett sent a message to Columbia College students apologizing for his actions.

“I am deeply sorry that this happened in a community that I lead and was a part of at one of the exchanges, and I am committed to leading the change we need to ensure this never happens again,” read the message, which was also posted online.

Last week, Rep. Virginia Foxx, the Republican chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, demanded that Columbia hold the three officials accountable and released footage of the group text exchange.

“Jewish students deserve better than to be harassed and threatened as if they were ‘privileged,’ and Jewish professors deserve better than to be mocked by their colleagues,” Foxx said in a statement last week.