3 Columbia deans resign after being removed earlier this summer for antisemitic text messages
Three Columbia University deans who were permanently removed from their posts earlier this summer after the university鈥檚 president said they engaged in 鈥渧ery troubling鈥� text messages that 鈥渢ouched on antisemitic tropes鈥� have resigned, a school spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Thursday.
Video above: Columbia University President Minouche Shafik speaks to Congress about antisemitism
The deans, Susan Chang-Kim, Cristen Kromm and Matthew Patashnick, were removed from power in July after their actions during a May 31 panel discussion about Jewish life at an alumni event. But the deans were not fired.
Columbia has made headlines in recent months for its handling of campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. University leaders have been under fire to show they are taking action to combat antisemitism on campus and protect Jewish students and staff.
In , Columbia President Minouche Shafik said the 鈥渟enior administrators in Columbia College engaged in very troubling text message exchanges鈥� and committed to holding them responsible.
鈥淭he incident revealed behavior and sentiments that were not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes,鈥� Shafik said in the letter. 鈥淲hether intended as such or not, these sentiments are unacceptable and deeply upsetting, conveying a lack of seriousness about the concerns and the experiences of members of our Jewish community that is antithetical to our University鈥檚 values and the standards we must uphold in our community.鈥�
A fourth official involved in the text messages, Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College, remained in his position after publicly apologizing for his actions. The other deans did not publicly apologize.
CNN reached out to the deans for comment when they were placed on leave but did not receive a response.