Columbia University’s policy-making senate votes for resolution calling to investigate school’s leadership
The Columbia University Senate voted on a resolution to investigate the school's leadership amid anti-Israel protests that have been going on for more than a week.
The Columbia University Senate in New York City voted in favor of a resolution calling for an investigation into the school’s leadership amid anti-Israel protests that have taken place on the campus for over a week.
A source within the school’s leadership confirmed the details of the resolution, saying it was adopted by a vote of 62-14, with three senate members abstaining.
The resolution alleges Columbia President Minouche Shafik violated established protocols when she authorized the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to enter the campus and arrest protesters last week.
Specifically, Shafik is accused of violating the due process rights of students and faculty when she authorized officers to enter the campus.
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The university senate does not have the authority to remove Shafik, as it is the university’s policy-making body, which is made up of students, faculty and administrators.
"The administration and Senate share the same goal of restoring calm to campus, so everyone can pursue their educational activities," the university said. "We are committed to an ongoing dialogue and appreciate the Senate’s constructive engagement in finding a pathway forward."
Shafik has increasingly faced calls to step down amid the spread of antisemitism on campus as well as ongoing protests against Israel that have disrupted classes.
On Monday, Shafik said in a statement she was "deeply saddened" by certain actions of agitators, who have formed an "encampment" on the campus and riled up students and faculty with anti-Jewish slogans and chants.
The protest encampment sprung up on the campus lawn area at Columbia April 17, the same day Shafik faced bruising criticism at a congressional hearing from Republicans who said she hadn't done enough to fight antisemitism. Two other Ivy League presidents resigned months ago following widely criticized testimony they gave to the same committee.
U.S. House Republicans from New York have urged Shafik to resign, saying in a letter Monday she had failed to provide a safe learning environment in recent days as "anarchy has engulfed the campus."
Fox News' CB Cotton and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.