A text commentary between colleagues… your privacy is guaranteed, right?

Opinions exchanged between people who have shared experiences… are matters reserved for the sender and recipient, right?

Not in this day and age, and not for four Columbia College deans who texted each other during an anti-Semitism rally at the school. If you are an educator and you find yourself in hot water over your own private messages, call the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888.535.3686, or fill out our online form today, and let us know the facts about your case.

Audience Member Takes Cell Phone Pictures of Text Thread

Vice Dean Susan Chang-Kim is the Chief Administrative Officer of Columbia College, which is the liberal arts undergraduate program under the umbrella of Columbia University. Co-workers Cristen Kromm and Matthew Patashnick are the Undergraduate Student Life Dean and the Student and Family Support Dean, respectively. The three exchanged text messages recently while in the audience of an open panel discussion about the atmosphere on campus as it pertains to Jewish life. Dean Chang-Kim was also communicating with Dean Josef Sorett at the time.

Someone was sitting behind Dean Chang-Kim in the audience, surreptitiously taking pictures of her phone screen as she made private comments to Dean Sorett. The two were discussing the rally and recently published editorials, casually responding back and forth, using somewhat sarcastic language, common text reaction abbreviations, and emojis. The eavesdropper sent the images of Dean Chang-Kim's text-thread screen to The Free Beacon, an online conservative magazine. The Free Beacon immediately published the images in a revealing story that resulted in administrative leave for three of the four deans.

Dean Sorett responded with a public apology for the texts, maintaining active status as Dean. He has since been working with authorities on an official investigation into the matter. No other comments have been issued by the other three deans due to the ongoing investigation.

Careers Changed, No Matter the Result

No matter what happens with the outcome of this situation, the lives of these four deans have been changed forever. What they thought were private text threads were suddenly broadcast on the internet. Their careers are, indeed, at stake, and their reputations are already on trial. In a world overrun with cell phones that have the capability to take pictures and send them anywhere, it is likely that you could find yourself in need of legal assistance in a similar matter.

The Right Attorney Protects Your Rights

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is experienced and up-to-date on the laws that apply to faculty and staff in school settings of all kinds. There are job requirements and expectations that you must fulfill as an administrator, but the same can be argued for your employing university. You have a right to due process at all stages of any investigative matter. Proper legal representation can be the difference in the success or failure of your efforts to negotiate the situation and respond to any case stacked against you. Call the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686, or fill out our online form so that we can work on your behalf.