Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, has announced her resignation following a tumultuous year marked by tensions with staff and students over her handling of campus protests against the Gaza war. The university announced her departure, citing the toll the period has taken on her family and the community. Shafik faced criticism for allowing New York City police to clear the protests on campus, leading to multiple arrests and outrage from protesters and academics, as well as allegations of failing to protect against rising anti-Semitism.
The protests against the Gaza war began on Columbia’s campus in April, inspiring similar demonstrations at other institutions. Following the incidents, Shafik was called before a congressional committee, further straining the relationship between the university and its community. Her resignation was welcomed by some of the protesters and those who accused her of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish.
Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will serve as the interim president following Shafik’s departure. The new academic year at the university is set to begin on September 3. The Gaza war has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with thousands of people killed and many more displaced. The situation has led to accusations of genocide against Israel, with South Africa’s case currently being investigated by the International Court of Justice.
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