Texting Controversy Erupts at Jewish Life Event
Three senior administrators at Columbia University have resigned following revelations of antisemitic text messages exchanged during a campus event focused on Jewish life. The incident, which has been dubbed “Textgate,” involved Susan Chang-Kim, Vice Dean and Chief Administrative Officer; Cristen Kromm, Dean of Undergraduate Student Life; and Matthew Patashnick, Associate Dean for Student and Family Support. Their resignations come as the controversy has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a Congressional investigation into antisemitism on college campuses.
Details of the incident
The texting scandal unfolded on May 31 during a panel discussion on Jewish Life on Campus, held just days after pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests had roiled the university. As the event progressed, Chang-Kim, Kromm, and Patashnick exchanged a series of messages that were captured by a bystander seated behind Chang-Kim. These texts included dismissive comments about a Jewish speaker, with one message suggesting that the speaker was “playing up concerns for fund-raising purposes.” Another text included vomit emojis in response to a reference to a college newspaper opinion piece written by a rabbi.
The content of these messages was later made public by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which has been investigating instances of antisemitism on college campuses. The release of the transcript fueled further backlash, adding to an already tense atmosphere at Columbia University.
University and public reactions
In response to the growing scandal, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik condemned the behavior of the deans involved, describing the incident as “unacceptable and deeply upsetting.” Shafik emphasized that the text messages “revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional but also disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.”
While the three deans involved in the incident have resigned, Josef Sorett, Dean of Columbia College, who was also part of the text exchange, remains in his position. Sorett issued a public apology, stating, “I am deeply sorry that this happened in a community that I lead and that I was part of any of the exchanges.” Despite this, a petition calling for his removal has garnered more than 2,000 signatures, reflecting the depth of the outrage within the university community.
The scandal has underscored the pervasive issues of antisemitism and intolerance on college campuses, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and accountability among university leaders. As the investigation continues, Columbia University faces increasing pressure to address the broader implications of this controversy and to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful academic environment.