Columbia University President Resigns Months after Gaza Protests on Campus

In a letter addressed to the Columbia community, Shafik stated, "I have had the honor and privilege to lead this incredible institution, and I believe that — working together — we have made progress in a number of important areas."

She acknowledged the challenges posed by differing views within the community and expressed concern over the personal toll it had taken, adding, "This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community."

Shafik emphasized that she had sought to uphold academic values while treating everyone with fairness and compassion. "It has been distressing—for the community, for me as president and on a personal level—to find myself, colleagues, and students the subject of threats and abuse,” she said.

Katrina Armstrong, CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will serve as interim president for the upcoming academic year, which begins soon, the university announced.

Protests at Columbia escalated in April, serving as a focal point for the wider anti-war movement. Tensions rose when Shafik called on the New York Police Department (NYPD) to remove protesters from campus on April 18, resulting in over 100 arrests. The protesters quickly regrouped and resumed their sit-in at another location.

On April 30, Shafik again requested police intervention to clear another protest site, leading to the arrest of 112 individuals. She also asked the NYPD to maintain a campus presence until at least May 17, the day after the university's graduation, to prevent further encampments.

The protests were part of a larger student-led movement urging universities to denounce Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza and divest from Israeli firms.

Katrina Armstrong will assume the role of interim president as the university prepares for the new academic year amid ongoing tensions and calls for leadership reform.