Congress investigates Columbia University for antisemitism

Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, has issued six subpoenas to key personnel at Columbia University, including interim president Katrina Armstrong and members of the Board of Trustees. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of antisemitism on campus. Foxx criticized the university for its slow response to the investigation, claiming that administrators have failed to provide essential documents and have shown negligence towards antisemitism, particularly in light of recent anti-Israel protests. The investigation aims to ensure a safe learning environment for Jewish students and faculty. Foxx emphasized that if compulsory measures are necessary to obtain the required documents, the committee will pursue them. The university has faced scrutiny for its handling of anti-Israel protests that disrupted classes and led to the cancellation of the main commencement ceremony in May. A university spokesperson reiterated Columbia's commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination. Following the establishment of a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" by anti-Israel protesters, the committee updated its priority requests to the university. The subpoenas focus on obtaining communications from specific university officials, Board of Trustees meeting records, and information on disciplinary actions related to the encampment. The committee is particularly interested in documents related to antisemitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In a related development, three university administrators have resigned after criticizing an antisemitism panel in private messages. Their comments, which included disparaging remarks about a rabbi's op-ed and fundraising opportunities, have raised further concerns about the university's handling of antisemitism issues.