Republican lawmaker Rep. Jim Banks accused Columbia University President Minouche Shafik of misleading Congress about a controversial DEI glossary that included offensive terms like “Ashkenormativity.” This glossary was included in what appeared to be a mandatory orientation document that a former student had sent to Banks. Banks claimed that evidence contradicted Shafik’s statement that Columbia University had no relation to the glossary, arguing that it reflected radical left-wing sentiments fostering antisemitism on the campus.
The “Review the DEI Glossary Terms” orientation document was featured on the Columbia School of Social Work’s website but was removed after it received negative attention from a New York Times article. The former student who emailed these materials to Banks revealed that the glossary was not student-made but rather sanctioned by the Columbia School of Social Work. During a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing, Banks questioned Shafik and members of the Columbia University Board of Trustees about the term “Ashkenormativity” and other offensive terms included in the glossary.
Shafik claimed that she did not use the term “Ashkenormativity,” did not know it, and suggested it was produced by a group of students. However, Banks and other trustees found the term offensive and inappropriate. Banks also questioned the spelling of “folx” in the guidebook and criticized Shafik and the university for allowing such offensive terms to be distributed to students without taking any action to stop it. Additionally, Education panel chairwoman Virginia Foxx accused Shafik of providing false testimony about Professor Joseph Massad being investigated for antisemitic conduct.
Foxx stated during a press conference that there had been no investigation into Massad for antisemitic conduct. The Education panel is investigating Columbia and other universities for their handling of antisemitism on their campuses. Banks has requested Shafik to provide clarification on whether the DEI glossary was sanctioned by the Columbia School of Social Work, if it was paid for by Columbia, and who prepared the document by May 16. The congressman criticized Columbia for allowing an environment where antisemitism is pervasive and forcing Jewish students to take remote classes due to safety concerns.
Banks accused Columbia University of failing to fulfill its obligations as a publicly funded institution by allowing antisemitism to be so rampant on campus and not taking appropriate action to address it. The congressman’s letter to Shafik and questions during the House hearing highlighted his concern about the offensive terms included in the DEI glossary and the lack of accountability at the university. The investigation into Columbia’s handling of antisemitism and the dissemination of the DEI glossary terms reflects a broader conversation about the role of universities in promoting inclusivity and diversity while also addressing hate speech and discrimination.
