The Columbia University senate has voted to investigate President Minouche Shafik and members of her administration amid ongoing protests on campus over the Israel-Gaza war. The senate approved the resolution on Friday, accusing the administration of violating established protocols, undermining academic freedom, and breaching the due process rights of both students and professors.
The resolution was based partly on a damaging report by the senate executive committee, which accused Ms. Shafik’s administration of engaging in “many actions and decisions that have harmed” the institution. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 62-14, with three abstentions, according to The New York Times.
Ms. Shafik has faced heavy criticism for her decision to allow the New York Police Department (NYPD) to engage with the protesters on the campus, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 students.
The resolution also reportedly calls for establishing a senate task force to investigate university decision-making in the future.
A statement from Columbia University later acknowledged the vote but said that the administration and the Senate shared the “same goal of restoring calm to campus so everyone can pursue their educational activities.”
“We are committed to an ongoing dialogue and appreciate the Senate’s constructive engagement in finding a pathway forward,” the statement read.
