Columbia temporarily suspends three administrators during investigation, emphasizing dedication to 'addressing antisemitism'.
A prestigious university, gear up to counter antisemitism, refused to disclose the particulars of the suspensions. However, publications like The Washington Free Beacon and The Columbia Spectator shared evidence or descriptions of school officials apparently engaging in controversial texts during a panel discussion about Jewish life on campus amid international conflicts. One of the administrators, Dean Josef Sorett, expressed remorse over his part in the texts in a statement to The Columbia Spectator.
CNN couldn't confirm the authenticity of the images, the text content or the identities of those involved in the conversations.
A representative from the university stated, "The Dean of Columbia College announced yesterday that three administrators have been temporarily removed from duty pending an inquiry into the incident concerning the College alumni gathering several weeks prior."
The statement further added, "The Dean stressed his eagerness to educate himself from this situation and past occurrences over the previous year to foster a community fortified by respect and open dialogue."
It read, "We stand firm against antisemitism and will take meaningful, long-term actions to guarantee Columbia is a campus where Jewish students and all community members feel secure, cherished, and capable of flourishing."
In a subsequent statement to CNN, the university representative said they were treating the matter with extreme gravity. They later added, "As the investigation is underway, the College cannot share any specific details regarding the inquiry or the initial incident." They emphasized their resolve to combat antisemitism, discrimination, and hate.
The university has been making headlines due to criticism for its handling of campus protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict – even causing a vote of no confidence in its president Minouche Shafik. A faculty group within the university's arts and sciences department rebuked Shafik for the administration's response to the protests, but only about a fifth of the full-time faculty participated in the vote.
Columbia was the scene for numerous arrests when protesters stormed Hamilton Hall during a pro-Palestinian protest in April. Charges against many of the participants have since been dropped.
Representative Virginia Foxx, who leads the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which is investigating Columbia for their response to antisemitism on campus, commented earlier this month, stating, "I was appalled, although not surprised, to discover that Columbia administrators discussed prejudiced texts during a panel on antisemitism at the University."
"The Jewish community at Columbia deserves more than this," Foxx continued in the statement obtained by CNN.
Dean Josef Sorett, in a statement delivered to CNN, admitted his participation in the texts and stated he was collaborating fully with the University's investigation.
"I deeply regret my role in these text exchanges and the impact they have had on our community," Sorett said in a statement he sent to the Columbia College Board of Visitors Friday and provided to CNN.
"I am cooperating fully with the University’s investigation of these matters. I am committed to learning from this situation and to the work of confronting antisemitism, discrimination, and hate at Columbia."
According to an anonymous university official, as reported by The New York Times, Sorett will be recused from matters related to the investigation while continuing to serve as dean. CNN reached out to the other administrators implicated in the texts.
CNN’s Matt Egan and Artemis Moshtaghian contributed reporting.
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The university acknowledged the temporary suspension of three administrators in connection with an investigation, underscoring its commitment to combat antisemitism. This situation has brought the institution's business operations into the public sphere, as the university navigates allegations of controversial texts involving school officials.
