-
-
-
Loading
Loading
The interim president of Columbia University, Dr Katrina Armstrong, has stepped down from her role, the institution confirmed on Friday. Her resignation comes just one week after the university agreed to adopt several policy changes in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Armstrong had taken the position in August, following the departure of her predecessor who faced criticism over the handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Columbia became a focal point of national attention during demonstrations against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza last year. President Donald Trump has accused Columbia and other universities of permitting antisemitism and failing to protect Jewish students. His administration recently threatened to withhold $400 million in federal funding unless institutions addressed these concerns. In a statement, Columbia said Armstrong would return to her former position leading the university’s medical centre. Claire Shipman, co-chair of the Board of Trustees and a former journalist, has been named acting president. “Dr Armstrong accepted the role of interim president at a time of great uncertainty for the university and worked tirelessly to promote the interests of our community,” board chair David Greenwald said. Shipman acknowledged the challenges ahead in her first statement as acting president, vowing to “act with urgency” to implement reforms and uphold academic freedom. Last week, Columbia agreed to new restrictions, including a ban on face coverings during protests and revised oversight of some academic programmes. These changes were part of negotiations to avoid a cut in federal funds, although it remains unclear if the funding will be restored. Some faculty members have filed a lawsuit challenging the funding cuts. Columbia is among 60 universities warned by the Trump administration that financial support may be cancelled if allegations of antisemitism are not addressed. Earlier this month, Education Secretary Alan Walters confirmed the suspension of federal funding for multiple institutions, citing “relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment” left unaddressed by university administrations. The announcement coincided with the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and campus activist, by federal immigration authorities. Khalil, a permanent US resident, is facing deportation for his involvement in last year’s protests. President Trump has alleged that Khalil and other activists are supporters of Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States. Khalil’s legal team has denied these claims, stating their client was exercising his right to free speech and protesting against US support for Israel. They accused the federal government of suppressing student activism and political dissent.
if you want to get more information about this news then click on below link
More Detail