Columbia University President Resigns Amid Protests Over Israel-Hamas War

Minouche Shafik has resigned as President of Columbia University, marking the third Ivy League leader to step down in response to campus unrest over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shafik, who was both the first woman and the first person of color to lead the prestigious institution, announced her departure on Wednesday, citing the toll the recent turmoil has taken on her and the Columbia community.

The resignation comes amid ongoing tensions following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, which led to a devastating loss of life. The Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, prompting a military response from Israel that has been widely criticized for its severity. The ensuing conflict has caused significant casualties on both sides, with around 40,000 deaths reported in total.

Shafik’s tenure has been marred by a series of protests and heightened complaints of religious discrimination on campus. The controversy peaked when the university faced backlash over its handling of demonstrators who occupied a campus building and encampment. The administration’s decision to forcibly remove the protesters further inflamed tensions within the university community.

In her resignation statement, Shafik reflected on the personal and communal strain of the past months. “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community,” she said. “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.”

The university’s board of trustees has appointed Katrina Armstrong, head of Columbia’s medical center, as interim president while the institution seeks a permanent successor. The timing of Shafik’s departure coincides with the return of students for the fall semester and a decrease in the intensity of protests, which had surged in the immediate aftermath of the conflict.

The resignation has more issues such as including debates over academic freedom, free speech, and the balance between preventing religious discrimination and maintaining student conduct standards. Shafik acknowledged these complexities in her statement, expressing distress over the threats and abuse directed at herself, colleagues, and students during her tenure.