Columbia University Protesters React to Shafik's Resignation
- Faculty and student protesters express hope for a new approach after the resignation of Shafik at Columbia University.
- However, they also fear that more of the same may follow in the future.
- The protesters at Columbia University react to the resignation with mixed feelings of optimism and concern.
Columbia University students expressed a mix of relief and caution following the resignation of President Shafik, whose administration faced backlash for its stringent response to anti-war demonstrations. Activist Alwan, affiliated with Students for Justice in Palestine, emphasized her determination to push for the university's divestment from war-related investments, drawing parallels to past protests in 1968 that took time to yield results. Psychology professor critiques of Shafik's administration included accusations of disingenuous claims of anti-Semitism against protesters, which he argued undermined academic principles. Following a vote of no confidence from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, an oversight panel criticized the administration's actions as threats to academic freedom, although it refrained from directly calling for Shafik's resignation. Faculty members expressed cautious optimism for a new administration that would better understand the academic environment. Alwan, who faced suspension during the protests, noted that while the suspension has been lifted, she is still entangled in a prolonged disciplinary process related to the spring semester events. She reiterated the commitment of student activists to continue their efforts, highlighting the broader institutional complicity in ongoing conflicts. Fellow activist Jones warned of potential escalations in the university's crackdown on activism, indicating a challenging road ahead for student-led initiatives.