Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has stepped down from office weeks before the new academic year begins at the prestigious Ivy League institution in New York City.
Shafik’s resignation came at a critical time, just a year into her tenure, amid a growing controversy surrounding free speech and protests over the Gaza conflict, and the decision to authorize a police presence on campus back in April, which resulted in the arrest of around 100 students who were staging a sit-in, has been a focal point of criticism.
This marked the first instance of mass arrests at Columbia since the Vietnam War protests, further igniting demonstrations on campuses across the U.S. and Canada.
In an email to students and faculty, Shafik acknowledged her challenges during her brief presidency, stating, “I have overseen a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community.”
She also noted these events’ personal toll, saying, “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community.”
Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will be interim president.
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In her resignation letter, Shafik reflected on her tenure, writing, “Over the summer, I have been able to reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead.”
She added, “I have tried to navigate a path that upholds academic principles and treats everyone with fairness and compassion,” but admitted, “It has been distressing – for the community, for me as president and on a personal level – to find myself, colleagues, and students the subject of threats and abuse.”
The Gaza conflict has placed immense pressure on university leaders, with campus protests becoming flashpoints for debate since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, and Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza.
Shafik’s resignation follows that of the presidents of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, who also stepped down amidst backlash over their handling of similar protests.
Earlier this year, Shafik defended Columbia’s efforts to address antisemitism before Congress, highlighting a rise in such incidents on campus.
Her departure follows the resignation of three Columbia deans last week, after text messages surfaced revealing their use of antisemitic language while discussing Jewish students. These exchanges were made public by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Republicans.
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, chair of the committee, supported the resignations, stating, “About time. Actions have consequences,” and criticized Columbia for sending “mixed signals” in its handling of the situation.
As the academic year approaches, universities across the U.S. are bracing for continued tension over the Gaza conflict.
In a recent legal ruling, a judge in California ordered UCLA to prevent protesters from blocking Jewish students from accessing campus facilities, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead for educational institutions navigating these complex issues.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response, has claimed thousands of lives and continues to fuel unrest and debate on college campuses.
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