Columbia University’s newly appointed president is facing mounting criticism after remarks surfaced in which she referred to recent congressional hearings on antisemitism and campus unrest as “nonsense.”
Minouche Shafik, who officially assumed the presidency following the resignation of interim leader Katrina Armstrong, made the comment during a closed-door faculty meeting earlier this month. In leaked audio from the session, Shafik can be heard downplaying the significance of the hearings, suggesting they were politically driven and lacked substance.
The hearings, held in response to growing concerns over antisemitic incidents and protests at major universities, included testimony from leaders of several Ivy League schools. Columbia, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of student activism and accusations of bias, was among the institutions under examination.
Shafik’s comment sparked swift backlash from lawmakers, student groups, and advocacy organizations. Critics accused her of dismissing legitimate concerns and undermining efforts to hold institutions accountable for how they address hate speech and campus safety.
Several members of Congress who participated in the hearings responded publicly, calling the remarks disrespectful and indicative of a broader unwillingness among university leadership to confront uncomfortable issues.
Columbia University has not issued an official apology or clarification, though internal sources suggest administrators are attempting to manage the fallout and reassure concerned donors and alumni.
Student groups on campus are also divided. Some have defended Shafik’s stance, viewing it as a stand against political interference in academic matters. Others, particularly Jewish student organizations, say the remarks contribute to a climate of marginalization and disregard for campus safety.
The controversy adds pressure to Shafik’s early tenure as president and highlights the ongoing tension between academic freedom, student activism, and government oversight in higher education. Whether the university will take further steps to address the backlash remains to be seen.