Columbia University's Senate on Friday approved a resolution calling for an investigation into the university's leadership, alleging that the administration violated established protocols, violated academic freedom, and endangered free inquiry. It accused them of violating the due process rights of both students and professors.
The university's president, Nemat Shafik, has criticized her decision to summon the New York City Police Department to campus last week, which resulted in the arrests of more than 100 student protesters, and what professors have criticized her for. has come under attack for his Congressional testimony. She capitulated to demands from congressional Republicans over free speech and discipline of students and professors.
The resolution, which was adopted by a vote of 62-14 with three abstentions, fell short of a proposal introduced earlier this week to censure Shafik, although many senators called for Shafik's resignation over the matter. He feared he would be seen as giving in to Republican lawmakers who asked him to do so. her handling of allegations of anti-Semitism;
The Senate resolution is based in part on a damaging report by the Senate Executive Committee, which states that Dr. Shafiq's administration took numerous actions that “damaged” the agency, including hiring an “aggressive” private investigation firm. He accused the government of making a “decision.”
The report, which was discussed at Friday's meeting, said investigators harassed students and used “intrusive investigative techniques,” including “attempts by investigators to enter student rooms or dormitories without the student's consent.” He said he used it.
According to the report, investigators requested “view of the student's phone calls and text messages, including threats of suspension for violations.”
“Overall, there is a fundamental lack of honest engagement with all stakeholders and groups on campus,” the report said. It is exacerbating the situation and serving to divide our communities. ”
The resolution also calls for the creation of a special Senate committee to investigate the university's decision-making.
In a statement after the Senate vote, a university spokesperson said the administration and the Senate “share the same goal of restoring tranquility to campuses so that everyone can engage in educational activities.” We are committed to continued dialogue and appreciate the Senate's constructive engagement in finding a path forward. ”
This resolution may have little effect in practice. The Senate, which is made up of faculty, students, and administrators, does not have the power to remove the president from office. However, some senators expressed concern during the two-hour meeting that the resolution could further deteriorate Dr. Shafiq's relationship with the Columbia University community and heighten the crisis facing the campus. .
In response to the university's turmoil over the war between Israel and Hamas, and the government's response to the encampment of student demonstrators on campus, Shafik has been criticized by disparate groups, including Congressional Republicans and pro-Palestinian protesters. There are calls for the doctor's resignation.
During Friday's meeting, economics professor Nachum Shikelman urged senators to vote against the proposal given the outside interference.
“We are in a deep crisis, and I don't see how weakening a president who is under attack from both the right and the left will help resolve the crisis,” he said.
In a sometimes heated debate, some senators questioned whether the organization should have specifically addressed allegations of anti-Semitism on campus.
Behavioral sciences professor Carol Garber said she was concerned that the Senate resolution “ignores the impact of hostile and offensive language and behavior against Israeli and Jewish students, faculty and staff on this campus.”
The resolution stated that the university's actions on current events “have made learning, teaching, and research increasingly difficult for many students, faculty, and other members of the Columbia community.”
carla marie sanford and Erin Davis Reports contributed