Columbia University adopts new definition of antisemitism, shuns pro-Palestinian group
The embattled school also agreed to adopt a definition of antisemitism that recognizes some criticism of Israel as discriminatory toward Jewish students.
The late Tuesday announcement comes days after Columbia was reportedly nearing an agreement with the federal government — though acting president Claire Shipman suggested any deal they may reach is 'only a starting point for change,' rather than bending to external demands.
'The fact that we've faced pressure from the government does not make the problems on our campuses any less real,' Shipman wrote to students and faculty.
Under the newly outlined plans, the university leader said Columbia has not recognized and will not negotiate with Columbia University Apartheid Divest ('CUAD'), its representatives or allied student groups. It follows similar action taken by Barnard College, its sister school, in recent weeks.
In spring 2024, CUAD took credit for the encampment that commandeered the main campus lawns, as its representatives met with university administrators over their demands to take down the tents. When talks failed, the college administration called the NYPD to clear the demonstration — twice.
'Organizations that promote violence or encourage disruptions of our academic mission are not welcome on our campuses and the University will not engage with them,' Shipman wrote.
The announcement also said that Columbia's revised understanding of antisemitism will be based on what's known as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism. Colleges have increasingly used the framework to respond to campus protests — a development welcomed by many supporters of Israel but criticized by protesters who say it infringes on free speech.
The definition states that some critiques of Israel as a Jewish state may cross a line into antisemitism, such as denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination or claiming that the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor. Comparing contemporary Israeli policy and that of Nazis would also be considered antisemitic under its terms.
Adopting the IHRA antisemitism definition had been one of the Trump administration's prerequisites for resuming negotiations over the flow of federal funding. But Columbia had previously stopped short of fully embracing the approach in its disciplinary cases.
'The formal incorporation of this definition will strengthen our response to and our community's understanding of modern antisemitism,' Shipman said.
CUAD acknowledged Shipman's email and her disavowal of the group on X, but reserved its most searing criticism for the new antisemitism definition.
'Columbia and Harvard adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism is a bold step toward protecting students — from having to hear critiques of genocide, apparently,' the group said. 'Soon, the IHRA definition of antisemitism will be standard across higher ed. Not to fight hate, but to criminalize dissent.'
In addition, Shipman announced the creation of two new positions, Title VI and Title VII Coordinators, to review and respond to reports of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Those individuals will contribute to an annual report to the president and Board of Trustees and reviewable by the public.
Columbia will also launch trainings by the Anti-Defamation League and several other national Jewish organizations and build out programs focused on constructive dialogue.
Brian Cohen, executive director of the campus Hillel, welcomed the steps as recognizing a campus antisemitism problem and its impact on Jewish students' sense of safety and belonging.
'I hope this announcement marks the beginning of meaningful and sustained change,' Cohen said.
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