Columbia University President Nemat “Minoush” Shafiq testifies on “Columbia University’s response to anti-Semitism” during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 17, 2024.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters
The president of Columbia University announced his resignation Wednesday after more than a year on the job, following months of criticism on the Manhattan campus over protests sparked by the Gaza war.
Nemat “Minoush” Shafiq has been criticized by anti-war protesters as well as House Republicans, but for different reasons.
Shafik said in a letter to the Colombian community that “we have made progress in many important areas” during her term as president.
“However, this is also a tumultuous time, and the different perspectives in our community are difficult to overcome,” she said. “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family and others in our community.”
Economist Shafiq, who became president of the Ivy League school in July 2023, twice asked the New York City Police Department to clear encampments set up by protesters, which demonstrators said was an act of solidarity with the Palestinians.
After setting up camp for the first time on the Manhattan campus cleared The second one grew up. protester took control of hamilton hall The NYPD cleared it and the encampment at the university’s request.
In April, Shafiq appeared before a House committee where she had problems About her handling of anti-Semitism on campus.
Shafiq wrote in the letter that the resignation was effective Wednesday.
“Over the summer, I have reflected and decided that moving forward at this point would best help Colombia overcome the challenges ahead,” Shafik wrote. “I am making this announcement now so that new leadership can Be in place before the new term begins.”
Columbia University’s Board of Trustees said in a statement that it “regretfully accepts Minush Shafiq’s decision to resign as president of the university.”
Katrina Armstrong was appointed interim president. She is CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and leads Columbia’s health and biomedical school district.
“Let us move forward together with optimism and determination, embracing the opportunity to renew our vision and strengthen our communities,” Armstrong wrote in a letter about his appointment as interim president.
The Palestinian student protest organization “Colombia Students for Justice” welcomed his resignation on X day. It called for Shafiq’s resignation.
“After months of chanting ‘Minoush Shafiq, you can’t hide,’ she finally got the memo,” the group said. “To be clear, any future president who doesn’t pay attention to the Columbia student body will Strong demands for divestment will end up exactly the same as President Shafiq’s.”
