Columbia University president Minouche Shafik has asked the NYPD to remain at the New York City campus until after graduation later this month
The World Bank’s youngest ever vice president at the age of 36, she is now under fire from Republicans, who say she has failed to provide a safe learning environment or protect Jewish students, and has allowed Columbia to be overrun by “anarchy”. Ms Shafik – who was also deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund before dealing with misconduct in financial markets and contingency planning around the Brexit referendum at the Bank of England – is now in a deeply precarious position.
“With the utmost regret, we request the NYPD’s help to clear all individuals from Hamilton Hall and all campus encampments,” she wrote. “In light of the activities that occurred after the events of April 17-18, 2024, we further request that you retain a presence on campus through at least May 17, 2024 to maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished.