WEBDESK: Columbia University is facing leadership changes after interim president Dr. Katrina Armstrong resigned from her position, the institution confirmed on Friday. The decision comes following political pressure and policy changes influenced by the Trump administration.
Dr. Armstrong, who took over in August 2024, had stepped in after the previous president resigned amid criticism over the handling of student protests. She will now return to her previous role at Columbia University’s medical center.
The resignation follows recent policy shifts at Columbia University. The institution implemented stricter protest regulations, including a ban on face coverings and revised academic oversight. These changes were made as part of negotiations with the federal government to restore $400 million in revoked funding. The Trump administration had accused several universities, including Columbia University, of failing to address antisemitism and campus safety concerns.
Claire Shipman, a former journalist and co-chair of the Board of Trustees, has been appointed as the acting president. She has committed to balancing the university’s new policies while ensuring academic freedom.
The situation has sparked debates on federal influence over universities and the boundaries of student activism. Many argue that Columbia University’s leadership was pressured into making policy changes that limit student expression. Additionally, the recent detention of Columbia graduate and activist Mahmoud Khalil by immigration authorities has further fueled controversy. Khalil, known for his involvement in campus protests, now faces possible deportation.
As Columbia University moves forward under new leadership, the institution must navigate political challenges while maintaining its academic and student policies. The resignation of Dr. Armstrong marks yet another chapter in the ongoing debate over federal oversight in higher education.
