Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigns

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Columbia University is facing yet another change in faculty as President Minouche Shafik has resigned after just over a year in the role. Shafik cited the challenges of leading during a time of deep division on campus as the primary reason for her departure. Her decision comes after months of protests and controversy, particularly regarding her handling of campus unrest surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. In her resignation letter, Shafik expressed the toll the past year has taken on her personally and on the Columbia community. "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," Shafik wrote. She added that her resignation was timed to allow new leadership to take charge before the new term begins. This follows the resignation of three deans who had exchanged disparaging texts during a campus discussion on Jewish life and antisemitism. In response to Shafik’s resignation, Columbia's Board of Trustees has named Dr. Katrina Armstrong, the head of Columbia's Medical Center, as interim president. Armstrong acknowledged the tough times ahead but stressed the importance of strong leadership as the university prepares for the new semester. The fall semester at Columbia University is set to begin on Sept. 3. "