Challenges Surrounding Columbia University's President Minouche Shafik
Minouche Shafik's appointment as Columbia University's president was initially praised as a perfect fit, but criticism has since emerged from various quarters, raising questions about her leadership.
When Minouche Shafik was named as Columbia University's president last year, she was praised as the "perfect candidate" by the chair of Columbia's Board of Trustees.
Now, some of her students and professors, along with the speaker of the House of Representatives, are urging her to step down.
Just over nine months into her tenure, Shafik, an Egyptian-born economist and former high-ranking official at the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Bank of England, and former president of the London School of Economics, is facing criticism for her handling of Columbia campus protests related to the war between Israel and Hamas.
College administrators have come under scrutiny following the Israel-Hamas conflict. University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill and Harvard University president Claudine Gay both resigned due to pressure regarding their handling of antisemitism on campus.
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At Columbia University, there is widespread anger among students, faculty, and some politicians on the left. They are upset with Shafik, who authorized the New York Police Department to intervene and halt student demonstrations on campus. These protests were demanding that the university sever its ties with Israel, both economically and academically. Critics argue that the crackdown on these protests, which resulted in over 100 arrests, goes against the principles of academic freedom.
On the other hand, a different group consisting of students, religious organizations, and politicians on the right believe that the administration at Columbia has not taken adequate measures to address instances of antisemitism within the campus and during protests near the university premises.
Democratic Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez criticized the use of police enforcement on nonviolent student demonstrations on campus, calling it escalatory and dangerous. She expressed her strong condemnation of this action, stating that it shows a failure of leadership that jeopardizes lives.
During a press conference at Columbia, Republican House speaker Rep. Mike Johnson called for President Shafik to resign if she is unable to restore order amidst the chaos. He joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to address the situation.
"It's really tough for a university president to handle these situations, especially if they haven't been through it before," explained James Finkelstein, a retired professor from George Mason University who specializes in studying how university presidents are chosen and employed.
According to Finkelstein, "She's in a tough spot right now. The chances of her keeping her job are pretty uncertain, maybe 50-50."
Columbia’s Board of Trustees is fully backing Shafik, expressing strong support for her as she leads the university during this extremely difficult period.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the board mentioned that during the selection process for this position, President Shafik assured them that she would always approach conflict resolution with careful consideration. She promised to balance the various voices within the diverse Columbia campus, while firmly opposing any form of hatred, harassment, or discrimination. The board affirmed that Shafik is staying true to her word by following through on these commitments.
Shafik is now being compared to Grayson Kirk, the former Columbia president. In 1968, Kirk brought in 1,000 police officers in riot gear to stop students from protesting. The students were demonstrating against the Vietnam War, Columbia's involvement in military research, and its connection to the Harlem community.
Later that year, Kirk decided to resign from his position.
Last week, Shafik gave permission to the New York Police Department to clear out the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on Columbia’s campus. Over 100 people were arrested for suspected criminal trespassing, and Columbia took action by suspending students involved in the protest encampment.
Finkelstein mentioned that Columbia has its own traditions and memories of police presence on campus. He pointed out that the university has a historically activist faculty and student body.
He also criticized Shafik's decision to allow the NYPD to arrest protestors, stating that it shows insensitivity to the institution's history.
Some Columbia faculty members have criticized Shafik for allowing the NYPD to remove protesters from campus. They are calling for all legal and disciplinary charges against students to be dropped and removed from their records. The faculty also voted to issue a symbolic measure condemning Shafik for what they see as a violation of student rights.
In response to antisemitism.
Shafik has spoken out against antisemitism and encouraged students to report any discrimination incidents. The university will investigate any hate speech or acts targeting Jews following Hamas' attack on civilians in Israel on October 7.
She also revealed on November 1 the establishment of a university task force dedicated to addressing antisemitism.
During congressional testimony last week, Shafik said students and faculty have been disciplined for antisemitism and that more work was needed to combat antisemitism.
Pro-Palestian protesters gather on the campus of Columbia University in New York City on April 23, 2024. Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on April 22, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested.
Pro-Palestinian protesters came together at Columbia University in New York City on April 23, 2024. There were heated confrontations between the student protesters supporting Palestine and the university officials at various US colleges on April 22. This led to the cancellation of in-person classes and the arrest of some demonstrators.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
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However, Shafik and the university administration are facing criticism for their handling of both antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Last autumn, a Columbia student was attacked while putting up posters in support of Israel on campus. Additionally, the university received backlash for hiring a professor who reportedly showed support for Hamas on social media after the October 7 attack on Israel. Shafik announced last Wednesday that the professor has been dismissed.
The Department of Education is currently looking into allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia at Columbia, UPenn, Harvard, and four other schools. After investigating, the Department will provide recommendations to the schools, and they could potentially lose their federal funding if they do not follow the recommendations.
Several Jewish students have reported experiencing verbal and physical harassment while on campus. Additionally, incidents of antisemitism have occurred off-campus near Columbia University.
Columbia's Hillel group is urging the university to take stronger measures to safeguard students and create a campus environment free from harassment.
Several key supporters, including Republican lawmakers and a few Democratic lawmakers, have criticized Shafik's handling of antisemitism incidents and are calling for her resignation.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a Columbia graduate who has donated millions to the university, expressed his lack of confidence in Columbia's ability to protect its students and staff. He stated that he cannot support the university until corrective action is taken. Kraft urged Columbia and its leadership to address the issue of hate by putting an end to the ongoing protests.
Editor's P/S:
The situation at Columbia University highlights the complex challenges faced by university presidents in navigating campus protests and addressing issues of antisemitism and Islamophobia. President Shafik's
