Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina A. Armstrong, is stepping aside after the university reached a deal with the Trump administration to negotiate federal funding. Armstrong, who took on the role after President Shafik resigned in August, will return to the university’s Irving Medical Center. Claire Shipman will now serve as acting president, as announced by the board of trustees.
Armstrong expressed pride in her work at the university but stated her passion lies in science and healing, hence her return to the medical center. The university agreed to the Trump administration’s demands to begin negotiations to restore $400 million in federal funding that was withdrawn earlier due to accusations of inaction regarding harassment of Jewish students.
Columbia University was a focal point of student protests last spring over Israel’s war in Gaza, leading to arrests and disciplinary actions against students. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student involved in the protests, was arrested by immigration agents over alleged support for Hamas. Khalil’s legal battle to remain in the United States continues as he remains in federal custody.
In response, Columbia students sued the school and the House Education and Workforce Committee to prevent the disclosure of disciplinary records associated with the protests. The Trump administration’s crackdown on international college student deportations has raised concerns within the university community. The situation remains ongoing as the university navigates its relationship with the federal government and addresses the concerns of its student body.
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