The president of Columbia University, Minouche Shafik, has resigned amid criticism of her handling of campus protests over the war in Gaza. In an email to staff and students, Shafik cited the toll on her family and community as reasons for her decision. Her resignation was unexpected, with the fall semester approaching. Shafik will chair a review of the government’s international development approach in the UK. The university’s board announced Katrina Armstrong as the interim president.
Shafik’s tenure was marked by controversy, including allegations of on-campus antisemitism and a heavy-handed response to student protests. The university faced criticism for its tactics, including calling police to dismantle a student protest camp. Faculty members condemned Shafik’s actions, leading to widespread protests and arrests on campus. Reports of pro-Palestinian protesters celebrating Shafik’s resignation surfaced.
The announcement came shortly after three deans resigned over disparaging texts about Jewish life and antisemitism. Congressional representative Elise Stefanik, a critic of Shafik, expressed support for her resignation. Student activist groups at Columbia welcomed the change in leadership, calling for the new president to prioritize their demands, including divestment from Israel.
Shafik’s resignation marks the end of a tumultuous period at Columbia University, with students and faculty hoping for a more responsive and inclusive administration moving forward. The university community now looks to the interim president, Katrina Armstrong, to address the challenges and rebuild trust in the wake of Shafik’s departure.
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