Stefanik criticizes Columbia University president over potential violation of the Civil Rights Act
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, JUL 09 – Acting president Claire Shipman privately suggested removing a Jewish trustee over pro-Israel views and adding an Arab member, sparking civil rights concerns amid campus antisemitism.
- In January 2024, acting Columbia University president Claire Shipman sent messages indicating she believed Shoshana Shendelman was unfit to remain on the board and advocated for the inclusion of a member from the Middle East.
- These texts were provided by Columbia to a House committee and released publicly in October 2024 amid intense Republican pressure over campus antisemitism and investigations into Title VI compliance.
- Shipman described congressional oversight as 'capital hill nonsense' and told a colleague to keep Shendelman unaware of protest plans, while faculty and board members disputed the identity of the leaker.
- Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Tim Walberg sent a letter criticizing Shipman's comments as a potential Civil Rights Act violation, noting ongoing campus harassment and urging leadership accountability.
- Columbia disputes federal findings, asserts commitment to combating antisemitism, and continues negotiating with government task forces amid broader political efforts targeting higher education institutions.
23 Articles
23 Articles


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There are moments in leadership when an apology, no matter how carefully worded, cannot undo the damage done. Columbia University’s Acting President Claire Shipman has reached that moment. Join our WhatsApp group Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email The recently exposed text messages from Shipman, revealed by the Congressional Committee on Education and the Workforce, […]
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