Apr 23, 2024 10:09 PM EDT By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

Just days after appearing before Congress, Minouche Shafik, the President of Columbia University, is under pressure from lawmakers to resign. This comes after a tumultuous weekend of protests both on and off campus, which left some Jewish students feeling threatened. 

Campus Turmoil and Calls for Resignation

The turmoil at Columbia University began when Shafik asked the New York Police Department to clear a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus last week. This move sparked outrage among some students and led to a weekend of protests that spilled off-campus, with some reports of violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students.

Shafik's decision to cancel in-person classes on Monday, the eve of the Passover holiday, citing the need for a campus-wide reset, did little to quell the growing calls for her resignation. Pressure to step down is coming from House Republicans and some Democrats, with lawmakers condemning the events at and around Columbia and calling for a change in leadership to ensure a safe learning environment.

READ MORE: Columbia President Accused Of Misleading Testimony On Antisemitism Investigation 

Bipartisan Criticism and White House Condemnation

The White House joined the chorus of voices condemning the violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students, describing it as "blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous." The calls for Shafik to resign have garnered support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with even those not explicitly calling for her resignation criticizing her handling of the situation.

Minnesota representative Ilhan Omar, whose daughter was suspended from Barnard College last week, weighed in on the protests, suggesting they had been "co-opted and made to look bad" to justify their shutdown. Omar emphasized that the protesters' demands, including divesting finances from corporations profiting from the Israel conflict, should be the focus rather than inflaming the situation.

Responses and Support for Jewish Students

In response to the escalating tensions, Columbia University spokespersons stated that Shafik is focused on de-escalating the situation on campus, working with faculty, administration, and community leaders. Meanwhile, Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina warned of potential consequences if order and safety were not restored, indicating that the committee she chairs would hold senior administrators accountable.

Amid the calls for Shafik's resignation, lawmakers and officials have visited Columbia's campus to show support for Jewish students and discuss safety measures. After meeting with Jewish students, New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the need for a safe and discrimination-free environment on college campuses, urging dialogue and understanding among students.

Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and other Jewish House members assured students of their support, stating they would do everything to ensure their safety and welcome at Columbia and other universities.

The turmoil at Columbia University, sparked by the handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, has escalated into a broader debate over leadership and campus safety. Calls for President Shafik's resignation underscore the deep divisions and concerns regarding the treatment of Jewish students on campus.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how President Shafik and the university will address the concerns raised by lawmakers and students. However, the events at Columbia serve as a stark reminder of the challenges university leaders face in navigating complex geopolitical issues while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

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