New York: Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced her resignation on Wednesday, following months of criticism over her handling of on-campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The announcement was reported by CBS News.
“I write with sadness to tell you that I am stepping down as president of Columbia University effective August 14, 2024. I have had the honor and privilege to lead this incredible institution, and I believe that-working together-we have made progress in a number of important areas. However, it has also been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community,” Shafik wrote in an email addressed to students and faculty,
Her resignation comes just weeks before the start of Columbia’s fall semester, which begins on September 3. Shafik indicated that the decision was influenced by the personal toll the past months had taken on her and her family. “Over the summer, I have been able to reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead. I am making this announcement now so that new leadership can be in place before the new term begins,” she added.
Shafik, a British-American economist, revealed that she has been invited by the UK’s Foreign Secretary to lead a review of the government’s approach to international development, allowing her to return to the UK Parliament’s House of Lords. “I am very pleased and appreciative that this will afford me the opportunity to return to work on fighting global poverty and promoting sustainable development, areas of lifelong interest to me,” Shafik stated.
Columbia University has named Katrina Armstrong as the interim president, according to the university’s website.
CUIMC’s Katrina Armstrong Has Agreed to Serve as Interim President of Columbia University https://t.co/EVLxsOl9B2 pic.twitter.com/nC2j3KBaAp
— Columbia University (@Columbia) August 15, 2024
Shafik’s resignation follows her appearance before Congress in April as part of a national hearing on antisemitism on college campuses. Her testimony sparked controversy, particularly among members of Congress, including Virginia Foxx of North Carolina and Burgess Owens of Utah, who criticized her for allegedly condoning intolerance towards Jewish students at Columbia.
The protests at Columbia were part of a broader wave of demonstrations across US campuses, triggered by the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel and the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including many children. The demonstrations intensified following Shafik’s testimony before the congressional committee, leading to increased scrutiny of her leadership.
