Dr. Katrina Armstrong, Columbia University’s interim president, has stepped down following a contentious battle with the Trump administration over federal funding. The government had canceled $400 million in funding, accusing the university of failing to address anti-Semitism and ensure student safety during 2024’s Gaza encampment campus protests.
In response, Columbia made significant concessions last week to negotiate the reinstatement of funding, sparking criticism for compromising on academic freedom. Claire Shipman, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, has been appointed acting president while the search for a permanent leader continues.
Meanwhile, Columbia professors have filed a lawsuit against the administration’s demands, which include stricter campus protest rules and external oversight of certain academic departments. The university remains at the center of debates over free speech, academic independence, and student safety.
Dr. Armstrong will return to her role at Columbia’s Irving Medical Center, as the institution navigates this turbulent period. Rights advocates and faculty continue to voice concerns over the broader implications of the administration’s actions on higher education.
