Indian higher education has always had a political dimension, but recent developments indicate a fundamental shift towards extreme politicization. Politicians are exerting excessive influence, shaping institutions, and undermining academic freedom. This deterioration poses grave risks to academic institutions, the academic profession, and intellectual life in India.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has finally broken her silence after the NYPD raids on the campus amid anti-Israel protests. Shafik called for more “empathy” from the student body and acknowledged the turmoil and tension that have impacted the entire community. She emphasized that students have paid an exceptionally high price, losing their final days in the classroom and residence halls, and expressed regret that the administration’s efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue were not successful.
Columbia University’s senate has voted to investigate President Minouche Shafik and her administration following ongoing protests over the Israel-Gaza war. The resolution, approved on Friday, accuses the administration of violating protocols, undermining academic freedom, and breaching due process rights. The decision was based on a senate executive committee report that criticized the administration’s handling of the protests, which included allowing the NYPD to engage with protestors and led to over 100 student arrests. The senate also called for a task force to investigate university decision-making in the future.
The University of Malaya has issued a public apology for hosting a lecture by US academic Bruce Gilley, who made controversial remarks accusing Malaysia of advocating for a “second Holocaust” against Jews. The university announced that it will take disciplinary action against those involved, prepare a report on the incident, and implement stricter background checks for future collaborations. Meanwhile, Professor Gilley has announced his departure from Malaysia amid the escalating controversy.
Xiaolei Wu, a music student in Boston, was sentenced to nine months in jail for harassing a fellow student who posted pro-democracy fliers on campus. Wu threatened the victim with violence and reported her to Chinese authorities. The case highlights concerns about China’s attempts to silence critics, particularly in academic settings.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s handling of student protests over the Israel-Hamas war has drawn criticism from multiple fronts. Shafik’s decision to call in the New York City police, leading to the arrest of over 100 protesters, has only further motivated demonstrators and inspired students at other campuses nationwide. Shafik’s actions have also drawn the ire of the Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which has accused her of capitulating to lawmakers’ demands and making “slanderous assaults” on faculty and students. Republicans in New York’s delegation to the U.S. House have also called for Shafik’s resignation, claiming she has failed to provide a safe learning environment on campus.
John McWhorter, a professor at Columbia University, has sparked controversy by claiming that pro-Palestine protests are preventing his students from experiencing the full impact of John Cage’s 4’33”, a piece that is designed to make listeners focus on the ambient sound around them. McWhorter’s comments have been met with criticism from supporters of Palestine, who argue that he is ignoring the importance of the protests and the broader context in which the piece is being performed.
Amid ongoing congressional investigations into campus antisemitism, Columbia University President Nemat Shafik has taken strict measures to address the issue, resulting in suspensions and investigations of students and faculty. Despite her efforts to appease the Republican-led inquiry, Shafik now faces pressure to resign over concerns about the potential chilling effect on academic freedom. The hearings have sparked controversy, with critics arguing that Congress should not interfere in universities’ handling of ideological disputes.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is facing calls to resign for allegedly prioritizing pro-Palestinian protesters over the rest of the Columbia community. The protesters, who have grown in number and openly support Hamas, have created an encampment on campus and have made threats against Jewish students.
