Columbia University Leadership Faces Criticism Over Police Crackdown on Protesters

Columbia University's President Nemat Minouche Shafik has faced criticism from students, faculty, and outside observers over her handling of a protest encampment. The controversy began when she summoned the New York police to dismantle the tent encampment set up by protesters. This move was met with widespread disapproval, leading to a resolution being passed by the Columbia University Senate that accused Shafik's administration of undermining academic freedom. The senate did not explicitly name Shafik in its resolution. The situation has sparked a broader debate about the administration's respect for shared governance and academic freedom. In response to the controversy, at least 40 pro-Palestine protest camps have emerged across US campuses, with many more students being arrested overnight into Friday, mostly at Emerson College in Boston and Ohio State University. Despite a proposal to censure Shafik falling short, a resolution calling for an investigation passed by a vote of 62-14 on Friday.