Columbia College President Nemat “Minoush” Shafiq testifies on “Columbia College’s response to anti-Semitism” throughout a Home Training and Workforce Committee listening to on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 17, 2024.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters
The president of Columbia College introduced his resignation Wednesday after greater than a 12 months on the job, following months of criticism on the Manhattan campus over protests sparked by the Gaza warfare.
Nemat “Minoush” Shafiq has been criticized by anti-war protesters in addition to Home Republicans, however for various causes.
Shafik stated in a letter to the Colombian neighborhood that “we’ve got made progress in lots of vital areas” throughout her time period as president.
“Nevertheless, that is additionally a tumultuous time, and the totally different views in our neighborhood are tough to beat,” she stated. “This era has taken a substantial toll on my household and others in our neighborhood.”
Economist Shafiq, who turned president of the Ivy League college in July 2023, twice requested the New York Metropolis Police Division to clear encampments arrange by protesters, which demonstrators stated was an act of solidarity with the Palestinians.
After organising camp for the primary time on the Manhattan campus cleared The second grew up. protester took control of hamilton hall The NYPD cleared it and the encampment on the college’s request.
In April, Shafiq appeared earlier than a Home committee where she had problems About her dealing with of anti-Semitism on campus.
Shafiq wrote within the letter that the resignation was efficient Wednesday.
“Over the summer time, I’ve mirrored and determined that transferring ahead at this level would finest assist Colombia overcome the challenges forward,” Shafik wrote. “I’m making this announcement now in order that new management can Be in place earlier than the brand new time period begins.”
Columbia College’s Board of Trustees stated in an announcement that it “regretfully accepts Minush Shafiq’s determination to resign as president of the college.”
Katrina Armstrong was appointed interim president. She is CEO of Columbia College Irving Medical Heart and leads Columbia’s well being and biomedical college district.
“Allow us to transfer ahead along with optimism and willpower, embracing the chance to resume our imaginative and prescient and strengthen our communities,” Armstrong wrote in a letter about his appointment as interim president.
The Palestinian pupil protest group “Colombia College students for Justice” welcomed his resignation on X day. It known as for Shafiq’s resignation.
“After months of chanting ‘Minoush Shafiq, you may’t disguise,’ she lastly acquired the memo,” the group stated. “To be clear, any future president who doesn’t take note of the Columbia pupil physique Robust calls for for divestment will find yourself precisely the identical as President Shafiq’s.”
