Columbia University president resigns amid Gaza protest fallout

Shafik, who faced criticism for not being tough enough on students participating in the Gaza Solidarity Camp—set up to protest Israel's attacks on Palestinian civilians—declared her departure in a written statement.

In her announcement, Shafik stated, "It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this incredible institution, and I believe we have made significant progress in many important areas."

The female president also noted, "However, this has been a turbulent period, where managing differing views within our community proved challenging. This period has taken a toll on my family, just as it has on others in our community."

Shafik, who emphasized her commitment to academic principles and treating everyone with "fairness and compassion," expressed her sadness that she, her colleagues, and students were perceived as a "threat" to society.

Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed Shafik's resignation. In a written statement, Johnson said, "President Shafik's refusal to protect Jewish students and maintain order on campus has turned Columbia University into a hub of violent anti-Semitism since Hamas's barbaric attack on Israel last fall."

Johnson also mentioned that he had asked Shafik to resign from her position in April, stating, "Although long overdue, we welcome today's news. Jewish students at Columbia starting this school year should breathe a sigh of relief."

Pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University began a sit-in on April 16 in the campus garden, protesting the school's continued financial investments in companies supporting Israel's attacks and occupation in Gaza, establishing a camp known as the Gaza Solidarity Camp.

On the second day of the protests, President Minouche Shafik requested assistance from the New York Police Department (NYPD) to disperse the demonstrators. Police entered the campus and detained 108 students.

Most recently, on April 29, after negotiations between the school administration and students reached an impasse, the students occupied the historic Hamilton Hall building. The following day, at the request of the school administration, NYPD riot police intervened, clearing the building and dismantling the tent camp in the garden.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik had been called to testify for five hours before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on April 17, following accusations that she failed to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitism. House Speaker Mike Johnson personally demanded her resignation.

Shafik resisted the pressure for some time and completed the 2023-2024 academic year as president.

Several university presidents across the country, including those from Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, have faced similar scrutiny by Congress and were forced to resign due to mounting pressure.