Columbia Won’t Explain Its New Antisemitism Policy
In response to extensive demands from the federal government, Columbia adopted a definition of antisemitism in its disciplinary process. Columbia has not explained what it means that it “incorporates” the definition in its process.
That definition says: “Antisemitism is prejudice, discrimination, hate, or violence directed at Jews, including Jewish Israelis.”
It includes “targeting Jews or Israelis for violence or celebrating violence against them;” as well as excluding or discriminating “based on Jewish identity or ancestry or real” or “perceived ties to Israel; and certain double standards applied to Israel.”
Columbia declined to explain what those “certain double standards” are.
The University’s own Antisemitism Taskforce drafted the definition. In an August 2024 report on alleged campus antisemitism, the taskforce said they did not want the definition to be used for discipline.
But now, the University is doing exactly that.
At a press conference earlier this semester, faculty criticized the university administration. Professor Emerita Marianne Hirsh, who is Jewish, said “It should be obvious to everyone that what is happening to this campus is not about protecting Jews.” She added, “Sadly, the Columbia antisemitism narrative has been promoted by the antisemitism task force.”
Columbia’s Office of Institutional Equity, a newly created disciplinary body, includes the definition in a footnote of its discrimination policy. It says “The Office incorporates this definition in considering potential policy violations.”
Columbia declined to answer questions about what this means in practice, or whether the policy prohibits all behavior that meets the definition.
So if all behavior that meets the definition is prohibited most the pro-Palestinian speech and assembly on campus could be barred from the University. According to the Columbia Spectator, the Office of Institutional Equity has already pursued disciplinary action in relation to an unsigned opinion piece in that publication.
Many Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim students say they’ve also faced discrimination on campus over the last two years. But a recent University Senate report says former president Minouche Shafik did not meet with them like she did with pro-Israel Jewish students. The University did not form any taskforce to investigate Islamophobia or anti-Arab hate.
Eric Santomauro-Stenzel is a reporter from Long Island, NY and covers politics for City Newsroom. His prior coverage has included social movements, discrimination, education, and more. He is a recent graduate of Hamilton College outside of Utica, NY.
