Columbia University Apologizes for 'October 7th' Sauce Date on Menu
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Columbia University issued an apology after "October 7th" appeared next to a sauce on its dining hall menu on the third anniversary of the Hamas attack. The university stated it was a technical error, explaining the date was accidentally carried over from a template. The incident occurred amid ongoing campus protests and scrutiny over the university's response to alleged antisemitism. The university has previously settled with the federal government over discrimination claims.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Columbia University menu mistakenly listed "October 7th" next to a sauce on the attack anniversary.
- University officials called the appearance of the date a technical error and apologized.
- The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many interpreting it as a reference to the Hamas attack.
- The university is a frequent site of pro-Palestinian protests and has faced criticism over antisemitism.
- Columbia previously settled with the federal government for $221 million over discrimination allegations.
Columbia University in New York City is facing backlash after the date "October 7th" appeared next to a sauce on its dining hall menu on the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. A photograph of the menu, shared on social media by an Israeli journalist, sparked outrage, with many interpreting the placement as a reference to the attack. The university has since attributed the incident to a technical error and issued an apology.
Vicki Dunn, the university's Deputy Assistant President for Campus Dining, explained to Fox News Digital that the date was accidentally retained in a menu template when transferring information. She emphasized that there was no intention to link the "Blush Sauce" to the events of October 7th, calling it an "unfortunate mistake." The signage was promptly removed once the error was discovered.
The university confirmed the incident via its official X account, reiterating that the date was a remnant from a template and not a deliberate statement. They apologized for the confusion and distress caused, stressing that the marking was not an intentional act or expression of a position regarding the Hamas attack.
This incident occurs amidst ongoing debates surrounding the war in Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Columbia University has been a focal point for student activism in recent years, experiencing numerous demonstrations and clashes. The university has also faced criticism and federal investigations regarding its handling of alleged discrimination and antisemitism against Jewish students.
In July 2025, the university reached an agreement with the Trump administration to resolve investigations into potential violations of anti-discrimination laws, agreeing to pay $200 million over three years and an additional $21 million to settle claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While this agreement aimed to end federal disputes, disagreements over the administration's response to campus protests persist. The menu controversy has reignited public scrutiny, placing the university once again at the center of criticism regarding the events of October 7th and the Gaza war.
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