Three Columbia University deans have resigned following an investigation into troubling text message exchanges that the school’s administration said touched on “ancient antisemitic tropes.”
The resignations come amid ongoing protests on college campuses across the US over the country’s support for Israel’s recent war in Gaza, which has sparked allegations of antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric.
Cristen Kromm, the former dean of undergraduate student life, Matthew Patashnick, the former associate dean for student and family support, and Susan Chang-Kim, the former vice dean and chief administrative officer, were all placed on leave as the investigation proceeded.
The message exchanges took place during an event on the Columbia campus titled “Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future.” The university said the incident revealed “behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.”
The three deans who resigned could not be reached for comment. The university did not provide further details on the contents of the text messages or the specific reasons for the resignations.
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The protests over US support for Israel’s Gaza offensive, which has killed thousands of Palestinians, have roiled college campuses nationwide.
Columbia itself became a focal point of demonstrations, with students setting up encampments and police making arrests.
