Faculty and students are
cautiously optimistic about the future after the president of Columbia
University, Nemat “Minouche” Shafik, stepped down — but remain concerned about
what lies ahead.
In a surprising move, Shafik
announced her immediate resignation on Wednesday, ending a presidency that had
become deeply controversial, particularly over her handling of anti-war
protests. Student protesters, who have been outspoken about her stringent
response to Gaza demonstrations, met the news with a mix of relief and
skepticism.
"Change takes time,"
said Alwan, a student leader. She send back on the university’s history,
comparing the current moment to the 1968 objections opposed to the Vietnam War,
which also led to the departure of Columbia’s president at the time.
“Back then, the president
stepped down after a tempestuous spring, but it took much longer for real
change to happen,” she said. “We expect the same in our ongoing struggle for
justice and equality.”
