Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik announced her resignation Wednesday, citing turmoil from protests over the Gaza war and criticism from both anti-war protesters and House Republicans.

In her resignation letter, Shafik acknowledged progress during her tenure but admitted the period of turmoil took a toll on her family and the community.

Shafik, who became president in July 2023, twice requested the NYPD to clear protest encampments in support of Palestinians. The first was cleared in spring, but a second encampment emerged, leading to further police intervention. In May, students protested outside Shafik’s house, causing additional strain.

Shafik also faced scrutiny from a House committee in April over her handling of campus antisemitism.

Protesters occupied Hamilton Hall and were cleared by NYPD.

Effective immediately, Shafik stated her departure would help Columbia navigate future challenges. Columbia’s Board of Trustees accepted her decision with regret. The resignation was reportedly unexpected, despite ongoing tensions.

Katrina Armstrong, CEO of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will serve as interim president. She emphasized moving forward with optimism and resolve.

Columbia anticipates a tough semester with new leadership. The university aims to be proactive in addressing protest movements and tensions with trustees, who consider the campus too left-leaning.

The student group Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine welcomed the resignation, having called for Shafik to step down.

Protests have erupted across U.S. campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 39,900 deaths according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Many protest groups have called for their schools to divest from financial support of Israel.

Elisha Baker, a junior at Columbia and leader of its Jewish student group, expressed concerns about safety during protests and hoped for strong leadership from Interim President Armstrong.

Shafik concluded her resignation letter affirming Columbia’s values of free speech, openness, and zero tolerance for discrimination, despite the recent turmoil.

Other university presidents, like those at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, have also resigned following criticism over handling campus antisemitism. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who celebrated these resignations, commented Wednesday, “Three down, so many to go.”