Minouche Shafik steps down as Columbia president following a tumultuous year | Demonstration Updates

Minouche Shafik, president of Columbia University, has resigned amid criticism over her handling of campus protests against the Gaza war earlier this year. The university announced her departure on Wednesday, citing the toll that the turmoil had taken on her and her family. The protests began at Columbia in April and spread to other institutions, leading to Shafik being summoned to a congressional committee over allegations of failing to protect students from rising anti-Semitism. Following the arrests of over 100 protesters and the clearing of the encampment by police, tensions continued to rise, resulting in further arrests and the removal of protesters in April.
Shafik expressed that her resignation would enable Columbia to overcome the challenges ahead and announced that Katrina Armstrong would serve as the interim president. The new academic year is set to begin on September 3. The Gaza war has resulted in a significant death toll and widespread destruction, prompting accusations of genocide from South Africa against Israel. Shafik’s resignation was welcomed by some protesters and critics who accused her of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish at the university. The university’s trustees expressed understanding and respect for her decision to step down.

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