Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik questioned the literacy of faculty at the Ivy League institution on Wednesday when asked why the word “folks” is spelled “f-o-l-x” in a handbook that also includes pages upon pages of “woke” vocabulary and definitions used in Columbia School of Social Work classes.
Shafik was testifying before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which is investigating antisemitism in American universities, when Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind, pressed her on the spelling.
“I didn’t go to an Ivy League school, admittedly. … Can you explain why the word ‘folks’ is spelled ‘f-o-l-x’ throughout this guidebook and in other places at the School of Social Work?” Banks asked. “What does that mean?”
“They don’t know how to spell?” Shafik suggested. “I mean, I’m not familiar with that spelling.”
Rep. Banks: “Can you explain why the word ‘folks’ is spelled f-o-l-x throughout this guidebook?”
Columbia President: “They don’t know how to spell? I’m not familiar with that spelling.” pic.twitter.com/wy5aZpUAcP
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 17, 2024
“I don’t find it a laughing matter,” Banks said.
“I’m not laughing either,” Shafik replied. “I think it’s— I really don’t—”
“You’re denying that this is a official product of the school,” Banks said. “But … you are aware that this is handed out to all of your students, and you’re not doing anything to stop it.”
“As I said, it’s not an official product of the administration,” Shafik said.
“Is this how Columbia University spells
