President of Columbia University Katrina Armstrong. Photo: AP
Columbia University President Katrina Armstrong has announced her resignation a week after the institution agreed to significant changes in response to a fierce standoff with the Donald Trump administration over federal funding. Reuters reports.
In early March, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in subsidies for the private Columbia University in New York, accusing the institution of not doing enough to combat anti-Semitism and ensure student safety during the pro-Palestine protests that took place last year. To restore funding, the university made significant concessions, which drew sharp criticism for quickly capitulating to government pressure.
Following Armstrong’s resignation, Claire Shipman, co-chair of the Board of Directors, took over the interim leadership of the university. Columbia University has confirmed that Armstrong will return to lead the Irving Medical Centre, which is part of the institution.
Meanwhile, groups representing university professors have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of trying to force the institution’s leadership to tighten rules on campus protests and establish external control over the Middle Eastern Studies Department.
Columbia University was at the centre of massive demonstrations in the summer of 2024 that spread across the country. The protesters demanded an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and called on universities to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
