The U.S. House of Representatives has issued subpoenas to several Columbia University officials as part of an ongoing investigation into antisemitism on campus. The university has been criticized for its response to anti-Israel protests and encampments that disrupted classes and events in the spring.
The House of Representatives has issued subpoenas to several Columbia University officials as part of an ongoing investigation into antisemitism on campus. The university has been criticized for its response to anti-Israel protests and encampments that disrupted classes and events in the spring.
The subpoenas were issued on Wednesday by the House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C. The subpoenas request a wide range of documents and communications relating to antisemitism on campus, including communications from specified custodians, Board of Trustees meeting minutes, and information on disciplinary cases.
Columbia University Subpoenaed in Antisemitism Investigation
Foxx said in a statement that the subpoenas were issued because Columbia has failed to provide the committee with the information it has requested, despite numerous efforts.
"Columbia should be a partner in our efforts to ensure Jewish students have a safe learning environment on its campus, but instead, university administrators have slow rolled the investigation, repeatedly failing to turn over necessary documents," Foxx said.
Columbia University Subpoenaed in Antisemitism Investigation
The subpoenas are the latest development in the House's investigation into antisemitism at Columbia University. The committee has been investigating the university's response to anti-Israel protests and encampments on campus since April.
The university has admitted that the protests created a "hostile environment in violation of Title VI" of the Civil Rights Act. However, critics have accused the university of not doing enough to address antisemitism on campus.
Columbia University Subpoenaed in Antisemitism Investigation
In May, three deans at Columbia University resigned after they engaged in a texting exchange described as "unprofessional" and featuring "disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes."
The university said in a statement that it is committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. The university added that it has provided thousands of documents to the committee and remains committed to cooperating with the investigation.
The subpoenas are a significant step in the House's investigation into antisemitism at Columbia University. The subpoenas could lead to the disclosure of new information about the university's response to antisemitic incidents on campus.
