Columbia University President resigns after protests

Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, has resigned unexpectedly just weeks before the start of the fall semester, following intense criticism regarding her management of campus protests related to the Gaza conflict. In an email to the university community, Shafik expressed that the situation had taken a toll on her family and acknowledged the challenges faced by the institution over the past year. Her resignation is effective immediately, and Katrina Armstrong, CEO of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has been appointed as interim president. Shafik's tenure, which began in July 2023, marked her as the first woman to lead the prestigious university. However, her administration faced significant backlash after she testified before Congress regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus and called the New York police to address student protests. The university's response, which included police intervention to dismantle protest encampments, drew criticism from students and faculty, who felt that Jewish students were not adequately protected during the unrest. Following the announcement of her resignation, reports emerged of pro-Palestinian protesters celebrating near the campus, with some students expressing support for the leadership change. Activists emphasized their commitment to continue advocating for the university to divest from Israeli policies, highlighting a desire for leadership that prioritizes student needs over external political pressures. Shafik's departure aligns with a broader trend in higher education, where leaders at institutions like Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania have also resigned amid similar controversies surrounding campus responses to antisemitism and protests.