Columbia University’s Acting President Sparks Controversy Over Antisemitism Hearing Remarks

Columbia University’s new acting president Claire Shipman has ignited a storm of criticism after dismissing congressional hearings on campus antisemitism as "nonsense" in a text message from 2023. Shipman, who was recently appointed to the position, made the remark during a discussion about the university’s handling of tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In the message revealed through a 325-page report from the Republican House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Shipman referred to the oversight efforts as "capital [sic] hill nonsense." The comment came alongside her endorsement of a New York Times article that praised Columbia’s approach to navigating these sensitive issues compared to other academic institutions. "Most critically I think it heavily inoculates us for a while from the capital [sic] hill nonsense and threat," Shipman wrote, showcasing her confidence in the university’s strategic maneuvering.

The report also exposed Shipman’s attempts to "unsuspend the groups" accused of antisemitic and pro-Hamas actions that violated campus regulations. If Columbia’s anti-Israel protests in 2024 were any indication, the university's handling of these issues remains highly polarizing. The NYPD even had to intervene during a barricade incident at Hamilton Hall, culminating in a widely publicized raid.

Shipman is stepping into the role following interim president Katrina Armstrong’s resignation. Armstrong had taken over after Minouche Shafik left in August amid accusations of institutional antisemitism, only to later resign herself after a clash with the Trump administration over $400 million in revoked federal funding. Now, Shipman, a seasoned journalist and Columbia board member since 2013, faces the unenviable task of stabilizing the university during this tumultuous period.

Adding to her extensive resume, Shipman’s career includes stints as a CNN White House reporter, a White House correspondent for NBC News, and a senior national correspondent for ABC’s "Good Morning America." She’s also married to Jay Carney, who was the White House press secretary under former President Barack Obama. Clearly, navigating controversies is not new for her, but the stakes this time may be higher than ever.

With accusations flying and campus tensions still simmering, all eyes are on Shipman to see if she can lead Columbia University out of the turbulence—or if her own comments will add fuel to the fire.