'Good riddance': Columbia University president Shafik remembered for silencing pro-Palestine speech

The resignation of Columbia president Nemat "Minouche" Shafik has led to an outpouring of relief among students, faculty and activists in New York City who say she will be largely remembered for her repression of Columbia's Palestine solidarity encampment.

On Wednesday night, Shafik announced she would give up her post as president of the New York-based Ivy League university with immediate effect, citing "a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community".

"It has been distressing - for the community, for me as president and on a personal level - to find myself, colleagues, and students the subject of threats and abuse," she continued.

Shafik, who was inaugurated as Columbia's president in July 2023, came under heavy criticism in April this year for her handling of the Palestine solidarity encampment which took place on Columbia's campus between 17 to 30 April.