Columbia President Minouche Shafik Steps Down Amidst Campus Protests and Criticism

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is resigning from her position, effective immediately, following months of intense protests and criticism over her handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict on campus. Shafik, an experienced economist and former leader at the World Bank and IMF, announced her decision in a letter to the Columbia community on Wednesday.

Shafik’s resignation comes after a tumultuous period marked by significant student-led demonstrations at the New York campus, which extended to colleges nationwide. The protests, primarily focused on the Israel-Hamas war, included encampments and direct actions that led to clashes with campus security and the New York Police Department (NYPD). Shafik faced backlash for authorizing arrests of protesters and her testimony before the House Education Committee, where she was criticized for her response to antisemitism and the handling of campus unrest.

In her letter, Shafik acknowledged the challenges faced during her tenure and cited the personal toll as a factor in her decision. She expressed a desire for the university to move forward under new leadership, citing the need for Columbia to navigate its challenges effectively.

Interim President Katrina Armstrong, previously Columbia’s executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences, will take over as the university searches for a permanent successor. Armstrong, who starts just before the fall semester, expressed a commitment to addressing the university’s recent trials while focusing on its core mission.

Shafik’s departure follows the resignations of three Columbia deans earlier this summer, who were removed due to controversial remarks and actions related to antisemitism. Shafik, who plans to work with the UK Foreign Secretary on an international development review, noted the strain the situation has placed on her family and the university community.

Critics, including some lawmakers, have sharply criticized Shafik’s approach to the protests and her handling of antisemitism on campus. The controversy surrounding her resignation highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining academic freedoms and ensuring campus safety amidst global conflicts.