Columbia University President Steps Down During Campus Crisis

Columbia University President Steps Down During Campus Crisis

Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, has resigned following significant campus upheaval and growing tensions between the institution and the federal government. Armstrong, who took on the role in August 2024 after Minouche Shafik’s departure, faced challenges surrounding controversial pro-Palestinian protests and accusations of antisemitism on campus.

The situation escalated when the Trump administration suspended $400 million in federal grants to the university, citing concerns over safety and bias. In response to these concerns, Columbia made policy changes, including revising admissions processes and increasing oversight of certain departments.

Armstrong’s resignation, effective immediately, allows her to return to her previous role as CEO of Columbia’s Irving Medical Center. In the meantime, Claire Shipman, co-chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, will serve as acting president during the search for a permanent successor.

The leadership shakeup adds to the ongoing turmoil at the university, leaving faculty, students, and administrators grappling with the effects of the upheaval.