Columbia University President Loses No-Confidence Vote After Protest Crackdown

In a significant development, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University has voted no confidence in University President Nemat Shafik.

The decision follows widespread criticism of her handling of protests related to the war in Gaza.

The Washington Post reported that the vote was cast by members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the largest school within Columbia, which serves the most substantial number of students.

The motion for the vote was introduced by faculty members who lead the Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

Out of the 709 faculty members who voted, 65% supported the no-confidence motion, 29% opposed it, and 6% abstained.

Faculty members expressed concerns that Shafik's leadership endangered students on a broad scale and posed a serious threat to the core values of the university: academic freedom, shared governance, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.

This statement was supported by Barnard College and the Columbia chapter of the AAUP.

Ben Chang, a spokesperson for Columbia, responded in a statement saying Shafik continues to regularly consult with community members, including faculty, administration, trustees, as well as state, city, and community leaders.

In a letter sent to alumni a day before the no-confidence vote, Shafik addressed the cancellation of the university-wide graduation ceremony amid weeks of protests over the Gaza conflict.

She expressed her hope that the challenges faced during this difficult period will inspire and strengthen the students.

Shafik acknowledged the tough past few weeks and regretted that the traditional manner of celebrating graduation was not possible.

This no-confidence vote at Columbia University occurs within a broader context of university leadership being scrutinized for their responses to anti-war protests that have swept across campuses.

In recent weeks, faculty members at Barnard College, Emory University, and the University of Southern California have similarly expressed no confidence in their leaders' handling of these issues.