Katherine Franke, a respected tenured law professor at Columbia University, announced her departure from the institution after a controversy over comments made about Israeli students. In January 2024, during an interview on the Democracy Now! radio program, Franke's remarks were seen as conflicting with Columbia's equal opportunity and affirmative action policies. Her statements, which focused on Israeli students who had served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), ignited a significant debate about academic freedom and discrimination on campus.
The situation began when Franke expressed concerns regarding IDF veterans on campus, stating that "they’ve been known to harass Palestinian and other students on our campus." She further criticized the university for not taking these issues seriously in the past. This led to an external investigation in November, which confirmed that her comments violated university policies. Two of Franke's colleagues lodged a complaint with Columbia's Office of Equal Employment and Affirmative Action, alleging that her words amounted to harassment against Israeli members of the community.
The investigation also linked a student's suspension to the incident, identifying him as a former IDF member. Meanwhile, Franke defended her stance, asserting she faced threats and hostility following the hearing. She stated she received violent threats both via email and at her home, as well as from colleagues and students.
“Upon reflection, it became clear to me that Columbia had become such a hostile environment, that I could no longer serve as an active member of the faculty” – Franke
Franke announced last Friday that she reached an agreement with Columbia University, relieving her from teaching duties and faculty governance participation. Franke, who served on the Columbia law faculty for 25 years, emphasized that her exit was due to a "toxic and hostile environment for legitimate debate around the war in Israel and Palestine."
“While the university may call this change in my status ‘retirement’, it should be more accurately understood as a termination dressed up in more palatable terms” – Franke
The investigation also noted Franke's policy violation by disclosing a complainant's name and reposting content on social media with disparaging remarks about the individual. This added another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding her statements.
In April, New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik misquoted Franke during a congressional hearing. She claimed that Franke said, "All Israeli students who served in the IDF are dangerous and shouldn’t be on campus." President Minouche Shafik of Columbia University was questioned by Stefanik during this hearing about whether disciplinary actions had been taken.
“I agree that those comments are completely unacceptable and discriminatory.” – Shafik
Shafik resigned several months after this hearing, though it remains unclear if her resignation relates directly to this incident. Columbia University remained firm in its stance through its spokesperson.
“As we have consistently stated, the University is committed to addressing all forms of discrimination consistent with our policies” – Columbia University spokesperson
Franke argued that the university leadership failed to uphold its commitment to fostering critical debate and learning.
“Rather than defend the role of a university in a democracy, in fostering critical debate, research, and learning around matters of vital public concern, and in educating the next generation with the tools to become engaged citizens, Columbia University’s leadership has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with the very enemies of our academic mission” – Franke
As she filed an appeal against the decision, Franke ultimately decided she could not continue at Columbia. Her departure highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and discrimination within academic institutions.