House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg have sent a letter to Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman. The letter accuses the university of not adequately protecting Jewish students from antisemitic harassment and questions Columbia’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Stefanik and Walberg express concern over emails and text messages from Shipman that they believe trivialize antisemitism on campus. They state, “The Committee on Education and Workforce (Committee) is continuing to investigate antisemitism at Columbia University (Columbia), including whether there was or is a hostile environment against Jewish students on Columbia’s campus.”
The lawmakers highlight ongoing investigations by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights into antisemitic discrimination at Columbia. They mention findings from May where federal departments concluded that Columbia acted with indifference towards harassment faced by Jewish students.
They assert, “As antisemitism continues to rise across the United States, it is critical that our institutions of higher education have leaders who firmly understand and carry out their obligation to protect Jewish students.”
The letter references an October 30, 2023 communication in which Shipman reportedly described concerns about antisemitism as “not necessarily a rational feeling.” Another message from January 17, 2024 suggests appointing someone from the Middle East or Arab descent to the board, raising potential Title VI issues.
In December 2023, Shipman allegedly referred to Congress’s oversight efforts as “capital [sic] hill nonsense,” which the lawmakers found disturbing given Congress’s role in ensuring universities meet obligations to protect Jewish students.
Further concerns were raised about promoting Rashid Khalidi at events despite his controversial views. Additionally, communications regarding Shoshana Shendelman, a Jewish Board member critical of harassment against Jewish students, suggest a desire for her removal from the board.
The lawmakers conclude by emphasizing Congress’s oversight powers under House Rule X concerning educational programs and antidiscrimination laws. They suggest potential legislative changes may be necessary to address these issues.
