Republican lawmakers were quick to celebrate the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who stepped down despite intense scrutiny over her management of campus protests and conflicts related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Shafik’s leadership, which began just over a year ago, saw Columbia become a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations that spread across the New York campus and other universities nationwide last spring. The protests at Columbia included student encampments, and building occupations, and led to hundreds of arrests.
Jewish students at Columbia starting this school year should feel a sense of relief after Minouche Shafik’s resignation
In a message addressed to the Columbia community on Wednesday, Shafik announced that she would be resigning, effective immediately. “This has been a period marked by huge turmoil, where reconciling divergent views within our community has proven challenging. This has taken a substantial toll on my family, as it has on others within our community,” she stated.
Republican lawmakers, many of whom played a central role in the congressional investigation into antisemitism on college campuses, expressed approval of her decision on social media. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) remarked on X, “I urged President Shafik to resign back in April, and while this decision is overdue, it is a welcome development. Jewish students at Columbia starting this school year should feel a sense of relief.”
Johnson, during a visit to Columbia last April, had called for Shafik’s resignation, citing the fear Jewish students experienced on campus due to the protests and what he perceived as inadequate administrative response.
House Republican Conference leader Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who had been investigating university leaders for their actions following the protests, also responded on X, stating, “THREE DOWN, many more to go,” referencing other university presidents who resigned despite similar controversies.
House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) pointed to the “disturbing wave of antisemitic harassment” during Shafik’s tenure and emphasized the need for Columbia’s next leader to address these issues decisively.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) echoed these sentiments, calling Shafik’s resignation “long overdue” and criticizing her administration for allegedly undermining the rights of Jewish students.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), who is Jewish, added that Shafik’s resignation alone does not resolve Columbia’s issues, stressing the need for stronger leadership and adherence to Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) added on X.
