In a stunning turn of events, Columbia University has abruptly severed ties with Sewell Chan, the executive editor of the prestigious Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), after just eight months in the role.
The decision, announced on April 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with Chan calling his dismissal “hasty, ill-considered, and quite frankly baffling.” Betsy Morais, a seasoned journalist, has been named interim director as the CJR navigates this turbulent transition.
Columbia University Shocks Journalism World
Chan, a veteran journalist with a storied career at The Texas Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times, was ousted following staff complaints about his leadership style. Sources report that tensions arose over what Chan described as “normal workplace interactions,” including discussions about a potential conflict of interest, a deadline for a sensitive investigative story, and an employee’s dismissal over in-office attendance and story quotas.
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In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Chan defended his actions, emphasizing his long track record of mentoring early-career journalists and arguing that the accusations against him were inconsistent with his reputation. “In a precarious and declining news industry, the only thing I have as a journalist is my reputation,” he stated.
However, not all accounts align with Chan’s perspective. Former CJR editor Ravi Somaiya published a scathing critique, alleging that Chan displayed “rage” toward those he deemed inferior and “obsequiousness” toward superiors. This contrasted with praise from former Texas Tribune colleagues who described Chan as “caring and thoughtful” and credited him with fostering their growth as journalists.
Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism dean, Jelani Cobb, informed staff of Chan’s departure in an email, assuring them that the CJR would continue “without interruption” under Morais’ leadership. Cobb expressed gratitude for the staff’s “resilience and dedication” but provided no further details on the reasons behind Chan’s firing. The decision also caught some CJR board members off guard, with reports indicating shock among board members over the sudden move.
The timing of Chan’s dismissal raises questions about the CJR’s direction and Columbia University’s oversight of the publication, which has been a leading voice in media criticism since 1961. Some speculate that internal cultural clashes played a role, with Chan himself noting that “the norms at Columbia are apparently very different” from those at his previous workplaces.
As Betsy Morais steps into the interim director role, the journalism community is left grappling with the fallout of this high-profile exit. Will the CJR maintain its reputation as a fearless watchdog of the press, or does Chan’s firing signal deeper challenges within one of journalism’s most respected institutions? Only time will tell.
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