Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, has announced her resignation after facing criticism for her handling of campus protests against the Gaza war earlier this year. The protests, which began in April and spread to other institutions in the US, led to allegations of rising anti-Semitism and a congressional inquiry into the university’s response.
Shafik’s decision to allow police onto the campus to clear the protests resulted in the arrests of around 400 people, sparking outrage and calls for her resignation. In response, Shafik said that the past year had taken a toll on her and her family, and she believed stepping down would be best for the university to address the challenges ahead.
The announcement of Shafik’s resignation was met with mixed reactions, with some protesters welcoming the news and others criticizing her leadership. The university’s Board of Trustees named Katrina Armstrong as the interim president, with the new academic year set to begin on September 3.
The Gaza war, which started after Hamas fighters attacked Israel in October last year, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 40,000 people and displacement of many Palestinians. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide, prompting an investigation by the International Court of Justice.
Shafik’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous period at Columbia University, with the hope that new leadership will navigate the challenges facing the institution in the future.
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