On Wednesday, Minouche Shafik, president of Columbia University in New York City, announced her resignation following her controversial management of pro-Palestinian protests that made the university a key topic in national discussions about the Israel-Hamas war.

This significant decision places her among the latest Ivy League presidents to leave their positions amidst increasing tensions around the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have particularly affected universities located in major urban centers. Many of these protests were influenced by the Columbia events from last semester.

“This time has been extremely challenging for my family and others within our community,” she expressed in an email to students and faculty on Wednesday evening. “Reflecting over the summer, I’ve come to the conclusion that stepping down now would best assist Columbia in navigating the difficulties ahead.”

Having previously held a role at the World Bank, Shafik mentioned that she had been asked by the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary to take on a high-level government position and will therefore be returning to England.

Like former presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, Shafik faced difficulties after her congressional testimony in April. Claudine Gay from Harvard, who resigned in January, had just been at the helm for six months. Liz Magill from the University of Pennsylvania also stepped down shortly after Republican calls for her to testify in December, having served just over a year.

As the spring semester was concluding, Shafik’s efforts to address bipartisan worries related to antisemitism only escalated tensions on campus. Large numbers of anti-Zionist demonstrators flooded the university grounds after her testimony, demanding that Columbia end all associations with Israel. Shafik responded by indicating that the demonstrators were breaching university regulations and creating a “clear and present danger.” She called the New York City Police, and over 100 protestors were arrested.

Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has agreed to take on the role of interim president, as stated in an email from the board of trustees on Wednesday night.

“We are confident that Katrina is the right leader for this moment,” the trustees conveyed. “We are thankful for her willingness to step in, and we urge our community to support her.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on Shafik’s resignation, labeling it “long overdue.”

“We anticipate that President Shafik’s departure sends a strong message to university leaders nationwide that allowing or protecting antisemitic behavior is intolerable and will lead to repercussions,” Johnson remarked. “Jewish students returning to Columbia this school year should experience a sense of relief.”