The president of Columbia University has announced her resignation following months of criticism over her handling of pro-Gaza protests on campus.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned from her post following months of criticism over her handling of on-campus protests against the war in Gaza.
Students set up a pro-Palestinian encampment protesting the war and calling for the school to divest from corporations supporting Israel. Several deans also resigned on Aug. 8 after it was revealed that they had exchanged texts disparaging Jews during an event exploring anti-Semitism on campus.
In an Aug. 14 statement, Shafik said her decision to step down had come amid “a period of turmoil.”
“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 website lists Katrina Armstrong as interim president going forward. Armstrong is university’s executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences and has led the Columbia University Irving Medical Center since 2022.
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Shafik said the timing of her announcement was aimed at ensuring a new