Columbia University Subpoenaed Over Anti-Semitism Investigation

On August 21, 2024, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce issued a subpoena to Columbia University, demanding documents related to the administration's handling of anti-Semitism on campus. The subpoena, directed to interim president Katrina Armstrong, requires communications among top administrators, including former president Minouche Shafik, and board meeting minutes. This action follows a prolonged dispute over document requests as part of the committee's investigation into the university's treatment of Jewish students. Virginia Foxx, the committee chair, criticized the university for its slow response, stating that administrators have not adequately cooperated with the investigation. Columbia has until September 4 to comply with the subpoena. A university spokesperson emphasized their commitment to combating anti-Semitism and noted that they have provided thousands of documents over the past seven months. The subpoena also seeks clarity on the university's decision to allow students arrested during an April protest to return to campus, despite initial promises of expulsion. Only four of the 22 students involved in the occupation of Hamilton Hall have faced disciplinary action, with the remainder still undergoing hearings, partly due to faculty objections to expedited processes. Columbia is the second Ivy League institution to face a congressional subpoena regarding anti-Semitism, following similar actions against Harvard earlier this year. The ongoing investigation highlights tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests and the university's response to allegations of anti-Semitism, raising questions about the safety and treatment of Jewish students on campus.