Columbia University President Minouche Shafik suddenly resigned on Wednesday, citing “period of turmoil” for her shocking departure. Shafik led the elite institution for less than a year, which was marked by constant and sometimes destructive anti-Israel protests. In her letter to students, she acknowledged that the period has taken a considerable toll on her family and the community. Dr. Katrina Armstrong, CEO of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will be stepping in as interim president. The resignation follows mounting calls for Shafik to step down over her handling of the protests, which broke out following Hamas’ invasion of Israel. Critics accused her of not cracking down on campus protests until the demonstrations escalated and a destructive mob took over the Hamilton Hall academic building in April.
