Nadia L. Abu El-Haj, a professor of anthropology at Columbia University, criticized the school's leadership for their handling of recent events on campus. Speaking at a news conference, Abu El-Haj expressed disappointment in the administration's failure to involve faculty in deescalation efforts before resorting to police intervention.
Abu El-Haj specifically called out Columbia University President Minouche Shafik for what she perceived as throwing students and faculty under the bus during congressional testimony. She accused the administration of prioritizing political theater over collaboration with faculty to address student protests.
The professor highlighted the timing of student actions, noting that the encampment coincided with Shafik's testimony, as students anticipated being disregarded by the university's leadership. Abu El-Haj criticized the administration for what she described as misleading negotiations with protesters, ultimately leading to police involvement.
Abu El-Haj revealed that despite efforts by some faculty members to mediate and negotiate with the administration, their attempts were met with resistance. She lamented the administration's refusal to allow faculty members, who have established relationships with the students, to intervene and help deescalate the situation.
The professor's remarks shed light on the strained relationship between faculty, students, and the university's administration, emphasizing the need for transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving in addressing campus issues.
