3 Columbia University deans who sent 'antisemitic' texts at event on Jews quit: What is 'textgate' scandal?
A screenshot from the antisemitism texting scandal in Columbia University
Three Columbia University deans who sent 'antisemitic' texts while attending an event on Jews in the campus have resigned, in a scandal that some are calling 'textgate'.
Susan Chang-Kim, the college’s vice dean and chief administrative officer; Cristen Kromm, the dean of undergraduate student life; and Matthew Patashnick, the associate dean for student and family support have resigned, said the The New York Times, which first reported the story.
The texting incident happened at an event in May, and came to light in June, leading to a Congressional investigation. The incident added to already tense atmosphere in Columbia University, which was among the first to see pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza.
What is textgate, the antisemitism text scandal at Columbia University?
The texting incident took place at a panel discussion on Jewish Life on Campus, which was held on May 31, days after pro-Palestinian,anti-Jewish and anti-Israel protests rocked the university campus.
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The texting happened between the three administrators and Josef Sorett, the dean of Colombia College.Some of the messages were photographed by someone sitting behind Susan Chang-Kim, who was typing away on her smartphone as the event progressed.
The exchange appeared to suggest that a Jewish speaker was "playing up concerns for fund-raising purposes," according to the NYT report.
Another message had vomit emojis in reaction to the mention of a college newspaper opinion piece written a rabbi at the university.
A transcript of the exchanges was later released by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which has been investigating antisemitism on college campuses, said the NYT report.
Sorett, who has not been removed yet, had apologised for the texts, writing, “I am deeply sorry that this happened in a community that I lead and, that I was part of any of the exchanges.” A petition signed by more than 2,000 people wanted him removed.
In July, Columbia University president Minouche Shafik had described the texting incident as"unacceptable and deeply upsetting".
Shafik said it "revealed behaviour and sentiments that were "not only unprofessional, but also, disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes."
(With inputs from agencies)
