Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University, has resigned from her position, effective August 14, 2024, amid significant unrest on campus following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Shafik’s resignation comes after intense criticism regarding her management of pro-Palestinian protests that have disrupted the university.
In her resignation announcement, Shafik cited the challenges of leading the university through a period of severe division and the personal toll it took on her and her family. She expressed hope that stepping down would allow Columbia to better address the ongoing issues.
The unrest on campus began shortly after the Hamas attack, with pro-Palestinian protests and a student encampment that garnered international attention. The situation escalated with the occupation of a campus building, resulting in a large police operation and numerous arrests. This unrest extended into the summer, with antisemitism controversies persisting and leading to the resignation of three deans who had sent derogatory messages about Jewish speakers.
Shafik’s handling of the protests, including the controversial decision to ban two pro-Palestinian groups, drew criticism from both sides. Pro-Israel advocates were dissatisfied with her response to antisemitism, while pro-Palestinian groups criticized her handling of the police crackdown.
With Shafik’s departure, four Ivy League presidents have resigned due to controversies stemming from the October 7 attack. Columbia announced plans to keep its campus restricted this fall in anticipation of further protests. Katrina Armstrong, CEO of Columbia’s medical center, will serve as interim president. Armstrong expressed a commitment to moving forward and strengthening the university community, though some students remain wary about the future leadership.
