As reported by Axios, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday, ending her tenure amid rising criticism of her response to campus protests.
Her departure makes Shafik the third Ivy League president to leave office due to backlash related to handling student protests and allegations of campus antisemitism.
Minouche Shafik, who took the helm of Columbia University with high hopes, cited the challenging nature of recent events in her resignation statement. She faced mounting pressure from students, donors, and Congress over her handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus.
Shafik’s resignation follows the earlier departure of three Columbia administrators over the surfacing of text messages that were allegedly antisemitic. The ensuing controversy and scrutiny intensified, culminating in Shafik's decision to step down.
In her statement, Shafik acknowledged the difficulties the university has encountered, describing the period as one of turmoil. She expressed that her departure would best enable Columbia to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The controversy began earlier this year when pro-Palestinian protests erupted on Columbia's campus. Shafik's administration responded with measures that included police intervention, arrests, suspensions, and the cancellation of classes.
This approach sparked widespread criticism, particularly from those who viewed the administration’s actions as heavy-handed. The backlash was not limited to the student body, as members of Congress and donors also voiced their disapproval.
Shafik, along with other university leaders, was called to testify before a GOP-led congressional committee in April, where she defended the administration’s response to the protests. However, the testimony only seemed to amplify the dissatisfaction among critics.
Shafik’s resignation marks a troubling pattern within Ivy League leadership. She is the third university president to resign in recent months, following similar exits by Harvard President Claudine Gay and the University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill.
Like Shafik, both Gay and Magill faced intense scrutiny over their handling of protests and allegations of antisemitism on their respective campuses. The resignations highlight the challenges faced by university leaders in addressing complex and divisive issues.
Despite her departure, Shafik's influence in academia will continue. She is set to chair a review of the U.K.'s international development work and will return to her role in the U.K. House of Lords.
In the wake of Shafik’s resignation, Katrina Armstrong, head of Columbia’s medical school and medical center, has been appointed as interim president. Armstrong acknowledged the difficulties the university has faced but urged the community not to let these challenges define its future.
Minouche Shafik’s resignation represents a significant moment for Columbia University. Her departure comes after months of controversy surrounding the administration’s response to protests and allegations of discrimination. With Katrina Armstrong stepping in as interim president, the university faces a period of transition and reflection. The challenges of managing activism on campus and addressing the concerns of a divided community will be at the forefront of Columbia's immediate future.
