Columbia University President Resigns Amid Gaza Protests

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Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik has stepped down from her position just months after widespread protests over Israel’s military actions in Gaza gripped the campus. Shafik’s sudden resignation on Wednesday evening marks the end of a brief and turbulent tenure that saw students and faculty alike rally against what many saw as the university’s inadequate response to the Gaza conflict.

The protests, which began last spring, were ignited by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, leading to a high civilian death toll. Columbia students, led by groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine, erected a “Gaza solidarity encampment” on campus in April, demanding that the university divest from investments linked to Israel’s military operations and advocate for a ceasefire.

Tensions between the administration and protesters escalated when Shafik called in police to dismantle the camp. Students faced disciplinary action, including suspensions, for their involvement in the demonstrations. Shafik’s actions drew widespread criticism from both students and faculty, who accused the administration of stifling free speech and failing to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

For 22-year-old Maryam Alwan, one of the protest leaders, Shafik’s resignation felt like a personal victory. “I feel vindicated,” Alwan said. “But the fight is far from over. We will continue to push for Columbia to divest from any investments profiting from the war.”

Alwan’s sentiment was echoed by many who hope that the change in leadership will bring a more supportive approach to student activism and a stronger stance on ethical investments. However, there is also a lingering concern that the university’s next president may continue the status quo.

In the wake of Shafik’s departure, Columbia named Dr Katrina Armstrong as interim president. Armstrong, who has served as executive vice president for the health and biomedical sciences department and CEO of the medical campus, will lead the university while a search for a permanent replacement begins.

Armstrong’s appointment raises questions about the direction the university will take under her leadership. For now, student activists remain resolute in their demands for justice and accountability, both from the university and the broader community.

As Columbia moves into a new chapter, the legacy of Shafik’s leadership will likely be defined by the campus unrest and the university’s response to one of the most contentious global issues of the year.