Ex-Columbia University Leader Faces Scrutiny Over Antisemitism Claims Amid Federal Investigation

Investigators from the Department of Health and Human Services conducted an interview with former Columbia University interim President Katrina Armstrong regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus, as reported by multiple sources.

The Wall Street Journal disclosed that the interrogation occurred on April 1, 2023, during a confidential deposition after Armstrong’s resignation on March 28. Furthermore, she announced she would take a leave from her position as chief executive officer at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center shortly thereafter.

Deposition Details Unveiled

During the deposition, Armstrong asserted that she was unaware of allegations involving Jewish students being attacked or faced harassment at the university. She could not identify faculty members accused of distributing materials that supported Hamas’s actions in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack.

Additionally, Armstrong claimed a lack of knowledge regarding student groups at Columbia purportedly calling for the destruction of Israel, raising further questions about her awareness of campus climate.

Federal Officials Express Discontent

According to the released transcript, Sean Keveney, acting general counsel for HHS, expressed dissatisfaction with Armstrong’s inability to recall incidents of antisemitism. He remarked on the conspicuous nature of her memory lapse, stating, “I’m just trying to understand how you have such a terrible memory of specific incidents of antisemitism when you’re clearly an intelligent doctor.”

Armstrong’s Defense of Her Memory

In response to Keveney, Armstrong conveyed that the past year had been exceptionally difficult, describing it as a “very, very, very challenging year.” She further stated, “I do not have specific recollections, sitting here, of what is in this report or what I recall from this report.” This characterization implies a significant emotional and psychological toll that her leadership role has imposed on her.

Faculty and Administration Reactions

Columbia University faculty members demonstrated their discontent regarding the institution’s response to both the allegations and Armstrong’s testimony. An emergency vigil was organized to protest perceived inadequacies in addressing antisemitism on campus. The faculty’s actions signify ongoing tensions between university administration and community expectations for handling discrimination effectively.

The Board of Trustees at Columbia University rapidly attempted to distance itself from the comments made by Armstrong during the deposition. They released a statement expressing their commitment to addressing issues raised by federal regulators regarding discrimination, harassment, and antisemitism. In this statement, they asserted, “This testimony does not reflect the hard work undertaken by the University to combat antisemitism, harassment, and discrimination and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.”

The Funding Fallout

Armstrong’s testimony comes against the backdrop of significant financial repercussions for the university. Under the Trump administration, a decision was made in March to retract over $400 million in funding to Columbia due to mounting concerns regarding antisemitism. Negotiations to restore this funding are reportedly ongoing, contingent upon the university meeting various demands, including an overhaul of its protest policies.

The federal government’s scrutiny of Columbia’s handling of antisemitism reflects larger societal concerns about anti-Jewish sentiment on college campuses across the United States. Advocates for Jewish students have increasingly called for institutions to take a stronger stance against harassment and discrimination, emphasizing the need for accountability from university leadership.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Accountability

As the situation continues to unfold, the scrutiny surrounding Columbia University serves as a critical reminder of the importance of leadership accountability in higher education institutions. The response from not only administrative officials but also from faculty and students will likely influence how effectively the university can address these ongoing issues.

Throughout this process, transparency and proactive measures will be essential in restoring trust within the Columbia community. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their backgrounds, must be prioritized in the dialogue surrounding these significant allegations. Thus, the way Columbia University chooses to navigate this crisis will be pivotal not only for its reputation but also for the broader discourse on antisemitism in academia.

Fox News Digital has sought comments from both HHS and Columbia University regarding this ongoing situation, signaling the media’s keen interest in the resolution of these pressing issues.

Fox News’ Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.