Columbia University members of the America Association of University Professors (AAUP) are expected to introduce a Resolution of Censure against Columbia President Minouche Shafik and other university officials for allegedly violating the fundamental requirements of academic freedom and her unprecedented assault on students’ rights.
The resolution, submitted on Monday, accuses Shafik of ignoring the opinions of the faculty and students on the Senate Executive Committee who unanimously rejected her request to summon armed New York City police onto the campus. It also alleges that Shafik falsely claimed that the students arrested posed a clear and present danger to the substantial functioning of the University.
Along with Shafik, the General Counsel, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees were also included in the resolution for review by the University Senate.
According to the resolution, on April 17, Shafik testified before Congress that she was willing to fire and investigate faculty for alleged Title IX violations, which is considered a violation of the norms, practices, policies, and protections upon which a university is founded.
The AAUP is calling for the censure of President Shafik, not her resignation, and a recommitment to core values on the part of the President, her administration, and the Board of Trustees.
David Lurie, president of the Barnard and Columbia chapter of AAUP and professor of Asian humanities, stated that they are not calling for Shafik's resignation at this time. Lurie expressed a desire to work with Shafik and her administration to steer away from the path they have taken.
A Columbia University spokesperson mentioned that President Shafik is focused on de-escalating the tension on the campus and is collaborating with various stakeholders to address the situation.
Sources have reached out to a university spokesperson for comment and AAUP for additional information.
