Columbia president resigns in fallout from Israel-Hamas war protests
SUMMARY
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced her resignation on Wednesday, following intense campus protests and rioting related to the Israel-Hamas war. Shafi faced serious criticism over the administration's handling of the situation, which eventually led to the forced removal of pro-Palestine rioters from an encampment and a campus building in Upper Manhattan. In her resignation statement, Shafik said, “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community. 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.” Her departure marks the third time an Ivy League leader has stepped down due to tensions and rising complaints of religious discrimination linked to the conflict.
