Columbia Student Condemns University's Handling of Antisemitic Texts

A Columbia student journalist has criticized the university's decision to place three deans on leave following revelations of antisemitic texts. The student, Jonas Du, argued that the school needs to do more to address hatred on campus.

Columbia University student journalist Jonas Du has called out the "rot" within the university administration following the discovery of antisemitic texts sent by three deans.

Columbia Student Condemns University's Handling of Antisemitic Texts

In a blistering article published in The Columbia Spectator, Du accused the university of failing to adequately address the hatred expressed in the texts.

"The texts are part of a disturbing pattern of antisemitism at Columbia," Du wrote. "It's not just a few bad apples. It's systemic."

Columbia Student Condemns University's Handling of Antisemitic Texts

Du's article comes after three deans at Columbia University resigned from their positions over antisemitic texts they exchanged during a May 31 text message exchange.

The deans, Susan Chang-Kim, Matthew Patashnick, and Cristen Kromm, all have stepped down.

Columbia Student Condemns University's Handling of Antisemitic Texts

University President Dr. Minouche Shafik and Provost Angela Olinto wrote a letter to the campus community on July 8 that addressed the incident and the university's response.

"I am writing today to update our campus community on the actions the University is taking following an incident in which senior administrators in Columbia College engaged in very troubling text message exchanges during a Reunion Weekend event entitled ‘Jewish Life on Campus: Past, Present, and Future,’" the letter reads.

Columbia Student Condemns University's Handling of Antisemitic Texts

The president explained further that the incident "revealed behavior and sentiments" that were "unprofessional" and "disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes."

The university has since announced plans for a "vigorous program" of antisemitism and antidiscrimination training for faculty and staff in the fall.

However, Du argued that these measures are not enough. He called on the university to do more to address the underlying issues that led to the antisemitic texts.

"The university needs to do more than just train its faculty and staff," Du wrote. "It needs to change the culture of the school. It needs to make it clear that antisemitism will not be tolerated."

Du's article has sparked a wide-ranging debate on campus and beyond about the prevalence of antisemitism at Columbia and other universities.

Some students have expressed support for Du's call for more action, while others have defended the university's response.

The university has not yet responded to Du's article.

In addition to the student-led protests, the university has also been facing pressure from Congress.

Last month, five members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Shafik demanding to know what the university is doing to address antisemitism on campus.

The letter was signed by Representatives Michael McCaul, Chris Smith, Tom Reed, Lee Zeldin, and Elise Stefanik.

The university has not yet responded to the letter.