Columbia University President Minouche Shafik expressed her concerns and disappointment in a recent video message regarding the protests that have taken place on campus. Shafik described the past two weeks as some of the most challenging in Columbia's history, with turmoil and tension affecting the entire community.
Shafik acknowledged the impact on students, particularly seniors who missed out on their final days in the classroom and residence halls, finishing college online. Despite efforts to resolve the situation through dialogue, including eight days and nights of discussions with academic leaders, a resolution was not reached.
While recognizing the peaceful intentions of many protesters, Shafik condemned the occupation of Hamilton Hall as a 'violent act' that compromised student safety. She emphasized the importance of upholding values of truth and civil discourse to overcome polarization and engage with diverse perspectives.
Reflecting on her background and international experience, Shafik highlighted the need for respectful disagreement to drive progress on complex issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and combating bias. She called on students to lead by example in fostering a more inclusive and respectful campus community.
Shafik expressed her commitment to working with students to rebuild unity and promote civil dialogue on campus, emphasizing the collective responsibility of every individual in creating a better world.
