Columbia University’s head steps down after concessions made in feud with Trump over funds

WASHINGTON - Columbia University’s interim president, Dr Katrina Armstrong, has stepped down – a departure that comes one week after it agreed to significant changes amid a heated battle with the Trump administration over its federal funding.

In March, the government cancelled US$400 million (S$536 million) in funding for Columbia and threatened to withhold billions more, accusing the university of not doing enough to combat anti-Semitism and ensure student safety amid 2024’s Gaza encampment campus protests.

Columbia made dramatic concessions last week

so that it can negotiate to regain the funding, drawing harsh criticism that it had quickly caved to government pressure and not stood firm on academic freedom and free speech.

Board of Trustees co-chair Claire Shipman was appointed acting president with immediate effect, while the board searches for a new president. The university did not give a reason for the change.

“I assume this role with a clear understanding of the serious challenges before us and a steadfast commitment to act with urgency, integrity, and work with our faculty to advance our mission, implement needed reforms, protect our students, and uphold academic freedom and open inquiry,” Ms Shipman said in a statement.

Groups representing Columbia University professors on March 25 sued Mr Trump’s administration over its effort to force the university to tighten rules on campus protests and put a Middle Eastern studies department under outside oversight, among other measures.

Columbia was at the centre of demonstrations in the summer of 2024 that spread around the US. Protesters demanded an end to Israel’s military assault on Gaza and urged their colleges to divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Rights advocates raised concerns about anti-Semitism and Islamophobia during the protests and counter-protests.

The government has cracked down on foreign pro-Palestinian protesters, and Columbia University Palestinian graduate

Mahmoud Khalil was detained earlier in March

by federal immigration officials.

US President Donald Trump has also threatened to withhold federal funding from other institutions over pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Separately, tThe New York Times reported late on March 28 that two of the leaders of Harvard University’s Centre for Middle Eastern Studies, director Cemal Kafadar and associate director Rosie Bsheer, will be leaving their positions. It cited two professors with direct knowledge of the moves.

Harvard had no immediate comment.

Dr Armstrong is returning to lead the university’s Irving Medical Centre, Columbia University said. REUTERS