Columbia Acting President Criticized Over Texts About Board Member Removal, Antisemitism

Claire Shipman, acting president of Columbia University, faces significant backlash after private text messages revealed her efforts to remove Shoshana Shendelman, a Jewish trustee and outspoken pro-Israel advocate, from the university's board while advocating for the appointment of an Arab board member. These texts, sent prior to Shipman's appointment in 2024, have raised concerns from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about downplaying campus antisemitism and potential violations of Title VI civil rights laws due to the emphasis on national origin in board appointments. The controversy intensified given the surge in antisemitic incidents on campus following the October 2023 Hamas attack, with Jewish students reporting increased harassment. Congressional leaders Rep. Tim Walberg and Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized Shipman for dismissing congressional oversight and questioned Columbia's priorities during a time of heightened fear among Jewish students. Columbia University has responded by stating the texts were taken out of context and reflected a challenging period of crisis management. The situation threatens Shipman's leadership as Columbia faces federal scrutiny over its handling of antisemitism and campus protests.