Professor Shai Davidai Cleared of Wrongdoing by Columbia University Amidst Resignation

New York, NY – Professor Shai Davidai, a prominent pro-Israel voice at Columbia University, has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the university's Office of Institutional Equity, according to a social media post by Davidai. This development coincides with his resignation from the university, effective July 8, 2025. The university confirmed his departure and the closure of the investigation, citing a policy that allows investigations to conclude when an employee is no longer affiliated with the institution.

Davidai, an assistant professor at the Business School, had been temporarily barred from campus in October 2024 following allegations of "repeatedly harassing and intimidating University employees." He had become a vocal critic of Columbia's administration regarding its response to antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests on campus, often using social media to express his views and confront university officials.

In his social media announcement, Davidai shared a screenshot of a letter from the university stating the investigation was closed "without any findings or conclusions of wrongdoing, and without imposing any discipline or penalty." He characterized the investigation as a "baseless witch hunt," asserting that Columbia had "tried to smear my name" but "finally admitted that I hadn’t done anything wrong."

Columbia University spokesperson Millie Wert confirmed Davidai's departure, stating, "Assistant Professor of Business Shai Davidai has decided to depart Columbia, effective July 8, 2025. The University thanks him for his service and wishes him the best in his future endeavors." The university's decision to close the investigation is consistent with its policy to do so when a subject is no longer employed.

Davidai's tenure at Columbia was marked by intense campus debate, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. He gained significant attention for his outspoken criticism of what he perceived as the university's inaction against antisemitism and for allowing "pro-terror" student demonstrations. His aggressive tactics, including public confrontations and social media posts, led to both strong support from pro-Israel groups and condemnation from pro-Palestinian students and faculty who accused him of harassment and inciting doxxing.