ALBAWABA - Columbia University President Minouche Shafik made headlines amid announcing that she will be resigning from her post, according to a statement she made on the institution's official website.
This might've come after constant demands from pro-Palestine protestors on campus.
The protests that took place on campus were due to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza that resulted in the killing and injuring of tens of thousands of Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023.
According to the BBC, this came only one year after Shafik had held the president's title at the university in question. Moreover, she received backlash by allowing New York police to arrest more than 100 pro-Palestine protestors who were partaking in it on campus.
Columbia University President steps down amid Gaza protests
She wrote in her statement, "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 added, "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."
In the end, she then carried on by thanking Columbia University for their support and understanding.
Pro-Palestinian protestors march outside Columbia University, in New York City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP)
A video circulated on X (formerly known as Twitter) of pro-Palestine protestors cheering while raising Palestinian flags across the board in celebration of Shafik's resignation.
Some might've been happy with Shafik's resignation but others took to her defense in several comment sections discussing the issue at hand. Here's what they had to say:
"She was their biggest advocate and protector," to which someone replied, "She sent in militarized police to assault & arrest Ivy League college students."
