Columbia University faced a wave of student demonstrations after Israel launched a military campaign against the Palestinian enclave due to a terrorist attack by Hamas. The protests grew as students set up tents on campus and chanted slogans in support of Palestinian civilians and against Israel’s actions.
Nemat Shafik, a distinguished economist with vast international experience, took on the presidency of Columbia University with high hopes. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, she had an impressive career in global development before assuming leadership at Columbia. However, her handling of the campus protests would face criticism from various angles, highlighting the challenges of leading a prestigious university.
The fallout from the Gaza war led to universities in the U.S. grappling with anti-Semitism issues. Columbia suspended pro-Palestinian student groups for policy violations and established a committee to address the problem. Despite ongoing challenges, Shafik’s background and experience positioned her as a respected leader capable of navigating complex global issues.