The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University passed a resolution of no confidence in the school’s president, Nemat Shafik, citing violations of academic freedom and shared governance. The resolution was introduced by the campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors, with 65 percent of professors voting in favor, 29 percent against, and 6 percent abstaining. A key point of contention was Dr. Shafik’s decision to involve the police in clearing a pro-Palestinian student encampment against the advice of the University Senate.
The resolution also criticized Dr. Shafik’s pledge to discipline faculty members who had expressed anti-Israel views, labelling these actions as a violation of academic freedom. Despite facing backlash and calls for her resignation, Dr. Shafik has maintained a low profile, citing security concerns. She has canceled the main graduation ceremony and kept the campus under partial lockdown. Despite protests during smaller graduation ceremonies, she continues to consult with various members of the community to work towards healing relationships and moving past the current tensions.
While some students and faculty members have supported Dr. Shafik’s actions against protesters and condemned antisemitic behaviors, a significant group brought the no-confidence resolution forward to express their lack of confidence in her leadership. Dr. Shafik has been holding private meetings with faculty and community members to address the situation and seek a path forward that does not involve resigning. The resolution passed by a significant margin, marking the first time the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia has voted no confidence in a president.
The no-confidence resolution was not a demand for Dr. Shafik to resign but a step towards rebuilding the community and upholding core values of free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and shared governance. With over 4,700 full-time faculty members at Columbia, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences represents about 20 percent of this academic community. The issue of protests, disciplinary actions, and academic freedom has divided the campus and led to tensions that have not been seen at the university before.
Dr. Shafik has faced criticism for her handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, involvement of police in clearing protests, and comments made about disciplining faculty members who expressed anti-Israel views. The situation has led to protests during graduation ceremonies, calls for divestment from companies working with Israel, and demands for Dr. Shafik to resign. With ongoing discussions and consultations with various stakeholders, the university is navigating a challenging period as it seeks to address the concerns raised by the no-confidence resolution and move towards a resolution that fosters healing and unity within the community.
