Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik resigns months after campus protests

NEW YORK – Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik has resigned. It comes months after she was criticized for her handling of on-campus protests in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

In an email sent to students and faculty Wednesday, Shafik wrote in part:

“I write with sadness to tell you that I am stepping down as president of Columbia University effective August 14, 2024. I have had the honor and privilege to lead this incredible institution, and I believe that–working together–we have made progress in a number of important areas. However, it has also been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community. Over the summer, I have been able to reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead. I am making this announcement now so that new leadership can be in place before the new term begins.”

Shafik went on to say she has been asked by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary to chair a review of the government’s approach to international development and how to improve capability, which will allow her to return to the House of Lords in the U.K. Parliament.

Katrina Armstrong has been named interim president, according to Columbia’s website. Columbia’s fall semester begins Sept. 3.

Stay with CBS News New York for the latest on this developing story.