Columbia University’s College of Arts and Sciences on Thursday passed a vote of no confidence against university President Minouche Shafik over her handling of recent pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
The vote, organized by the school chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), won with a 65 percent majority, although it had no real power against Shafik.
The AAUP chapter released a statement highlighting the frustrations the group has with Shafik, such as agreeing during a recent Congressional hearing to fire a certain faculty member and ultimately bringing in police to fend off student protesters.
“This series of actions not only put our students in danger; more broadly, it poses a serious threat to the university’s fundamental values: academic freedom, shared governance, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The President’s choices to avoid democratic processes undermined the trust that the faculty placed in her and her leadership team,” the organization stated.
A university official said only 900 of the school’s 4,600 full-time faculty participated in the vote, meaning 80% of voices were not represented.
“President Shafik continues to consult regularly with members of the community, including faculty, administration and trustees, as well as state, city and community leaders. She appreciates the efforts of those who work alongside her on the long road ahead for front to heal our community,” said a university spokesperson.
Updated at 2:40 p.m.
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