Columbia University's president, Nemat Shafik, has resigned amid controversy surrounding her handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and campus divisions. Dr. Shafik, who became the first woman to lead Columbia last year, faced criticism for her management of the university during a period of turmoil. Her resignation comes after months of scrutiny, including a contentious appearance before Congress about antisemitism on campus and her response to pro-Palestinian protests. The university's board of trustees has appointed Dr. Katrina A. Armstrong as the interim president, with no immediate timeline for a permanent replacement. Dr. Shafik's resignation underscores the challenges facing university presidents in navigating campus unrest, free speech, and academic freedom. Dr. Shafik's tenure was marked by tensions over pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which led to congressional hearings and widespread criticism. Her handling of the protests and her management decisions drew criticism from faculty, students, and donors, ultimately leading to a vote of no-confidence by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The resignation of Dr. Shafik, along with the recent departures of other Ivy League university leaders, highlights the complexities of addressing campus demonstrations and balancing competing interests. As the university prepares for the new academic year, tensions persist, with student activists vowing to continue their push for Columbia to divest from companies profiting from the occupation of Palestinian territories. The university's response to the protests, as well as the broader issues of academic freedom and campus governance, remains a point of contention as the community grapples with ongoing challenges.