Columbia University President Resigns Amid Campus Protests Over Gaza War
Minouche Shafik has resigned as the President of Columbia University amidst a free speech debate over campus protests regarding the war in Gaza. Shafik’s resignation follows a controversial decision to involve the New York Police Department in handling protests on campus, resulting in the arrests of approximately 100 students. This incident marked the first mass arrests at Columbia since Vietnam War protests.
Shafik’s departure adds to a growing trend of Ivy League university presidents resigning over their handling of Gaza war protests. In her resignation letter, Shafik cited difficulties in overcoming divergent views within the community, which took a toll on her and her family.
Katrina Armstrong will serve as the interim president as Columbia University navigates the challenges ahead. Shafik, a respected economist with a background in international finance, has been called upon by the UK Foreign Secretary to lead a review on international development.
The resignation comes after three deans at Columbia also resigned over the use of antisemitic language in text messages discussing Jewish students. As universities across the US gear up for the academic year, tensions continue to simmer amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
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