Three Columbia Deans Resign Over Antisemitic Texts

In a significant development at Columbia University, three deans have resigned following a scandal dubbed “Textgate.” Their departure comes after the university revealed that they had exchanged “unacceptable and deeply upsetting” texts that referenced antisemitic tropes while discussing student complaints about antisemitism during a panel on Jewish life last May. University spokesperson Samantha Slater confirmed the resignations but did not provide further details. The controversial texts included sarcastic remarks and emojis that mocked students’ concerns, prompting outrage from the university community. President Nemat Shafik condemned the deans for their insensitivity, stating that their messages demonstrated a troubling disregard for the experiences of Jewish students. She described the texts as “a punch in the gut” and highlighted the disappointment felt by students who had previously raised formal complaints about the deans’ lack of responsiveness. The fallout from the incident has raised broader questions about Columbia's handling of antisemitism on campus. Student advocate Yadegar expressed frustration over the absence of a proper apology from the deans and criticized the university for allowing a culture of antisemitism to flourish. This sentiment was echoed by David M. Schizer, a dean emeritus, who emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure a welcoming environment for all students, particularly Jewish and Israeli students. Columbia University is currently facing scrutiny from Congress and the Department of Education regarding its handling of complaints related to discrimination against various student groups, including Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims, amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict.