The president of New York’s Columbia University has resigned, US media reported Wednesday, months after pro-Palestinian protests brought national scrutiny to the institution and just weeks before the start of the new school year. Furthermore, the Columbia University president resigns amid increased scrutiny and pressure from both students and faculty. #ColumbiaUniversityPresidentResigns
Anti-war protests and encampments at Columbia and campuses across the United States were a flashpoint in debates about US support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Critics claimed the protests at Columbia and elsewhere veered into anti-Semitism and intimidation. Columbia President Minouche Shafik faced questioning before Congress. She and other university presidents were accused of failing to protect Jewish students.
Protesters, many of whom were Jewish, said anti-Israel views were being conflated with anti-Semitism. They also argued that individual hate incidents distracted from calls for a ceasefire amid the spiraling civilian death toll.
“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,” Shafik wrote in an email announcing the move, according to student newspaper the Columbia Spectator.
“I am making this announcement now so that new leadership can be in place before the new term begins.”
As protests and encampments spread across US universities, protesters at times occupied buildings. In some cases there were clashes with police, while at other times pro-Israel protesters attacked the encampments. #ColumbiaUniversityPresidentResigns
In addition, the Columbia University president resigns at a time when many are calling for comprehensive reforms. The protestors’ demands for change underscored the need for a more responsive leadership. Therefore, this resignation could signal a new chapter for the university, focusing on addressing these critical issues.
read more
