Columbia University faculty pass vote of no confidence in President Shafik after pro-Palestinian protests
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik visits Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on May 1, 2024 in New York City. (Indy Scholtens/Getty Images)
Columbia University's Arts and Sciences faculty recently made a significant decision regarding their confidence in President Minouche Shafik. Following contentious congressional testimony and her management of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the faculty expressed their discontent with a vote of no confidence, marking a stark division within the campus community. The results, announced on Thursday, revealed a substantial lack of support for Shafik.
Moreover, a considerable number of faculty members have committed to a strike, vowing to limit their activities to those directly benefiting students as long as police remain on campus. Shafik's decision to extend the NYPD's presence until after graduation ceremonies has fueled this sentiment among the faculty.
Approximately 900 professors, representing around 20% of Columbia's faculty, were eligible to participate in the no-confidence vote. The outcome, with nearly 65% expressing no confidence in the president, underscores widespread dissatisfaction. While not legally binding, the vote serves as a potent critique of Shafik's leadership since assuming office last fall.
The resolution condemning Shafik's actions accuses her administration of disregarding academic freedoms and shared governance principles, leading to arrests of students and the imposition of a campus lockdown. This vote of no confidence is seen as a crucial initial step in repairing the fractured community and reinstating the university's foundational principles.
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