5:58 p.m. Eastern Time, May 3, 2024
Efforts by the president of Columbia University to restore after enduring 2 challenging weeks
Francis Chung/POLITICO/AP/File
Shafik referred to the recent two weeks on campus as “one of the most challenging in Columbia’s history.”
“The turmoil and tension, division and disruption have impacted the entire community,” Shafik mentioned in the statement, which lasted slightly over three minutes.
As a consequence of the protests, Shafik pointed out that Columbia University students “have borne a particularly high cost.” she mentioned.
“You lost your final days in the classroom and residence halls. For those of you who are seniors, you’re finishing college the way you started, online,” Shafik remarked
The University endeavored multiple occasions to reach a resolution through conversations, Shafik highlighted.
“Educational authorities engaged in discussions with students for eight days and nights,” she conveyed. “(The) University made a genuine and respectable proposal, however, it was not embraced.”
While a majority of the protesters on campus were mainly peaceful and “had sincere concerns,” Shafik commented on the faction that occupied Hamilton Hall as having “crossed a new threshold.”
Shafik characterized the occupation as a “forceful deed” that jeopardized the safety of students.
“Each one of us has a part to play in revitalizing the values of truth and constructive discussion that have been gravely impaired by polarization. Here at Columbia, divergent realities and dialogues have segregated us from other viewpoints,” Shafik expressed.
Shafik highlighted that she was born in the Middle East “in a Muslim family with many Jewish and Christian friends.” Throughout her two decades of global service, Shafik expressed that she has discovered “people can differ and still advance.”
“The topics that are challenging us, the Palestinian Israeli discord, antisemitism and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias have existed for a prolonged period,” Shafik stated. “And Columbia, despite being a remarkable institution, cannot rectify them, on its own.”
Shafik exhorted students to set a precedent for a better world, where individuals who differ “do so respectfully.”
“We have a lot to do, but I am steadfast in dedicating efforts daily and working alongside each one of you to revive community on our campus.”
Source : amp.cnn.com