Columbia University's interim president, Katrina A. Armstrong, has decided to step down following an agreement with the Trump administration regarding federal funding, after stepping in during a period of significant challenges and campus unrest. David Greenwald, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Armstrong for her leadership during a time of uncertainty, particularly amid protests related to the conflict in Gaza. Claire Shipman, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, will take over as acting president immediately, ensuring continuity until a permanent president is appointed.
Posts tagged as “Columbia”
A federal judge has temporarily halted the deportation of Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, amid claims of targeted immigration enforcement due to her involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Chung's legal team argues that the government's actions represent an overreach aimed at punishing her for constitutionally protected protest activities, highlighting concerns about the treatment of protest participants. This case underscores the tension between immigration enforcement and political activism, with potential implications for similar situations involving individuals engaged in protests.
The Trump administration has demanded changes in Columbia University's operations as a condition for restoring $400 million in federal funding, with a compliance deadline set for March 20. This action is part of a broader pattern of the administration's interventions in private institutions, drawing criticism for its perceived authoritarian approach. The situation highlights the administration's strategy of using federal funding as leverage, while Columbia University considers its response to the ultimatum.
Federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and activist known for leading protests at Columbia University, in New York City. The arrest, carried out by ICE agents, was reportedly based on a State Department order to revoke his green card, though the reasons for this decision remain unclear. Khalil's legal team plans to challenge the arrest, which has garnered attention from advocacy groups concerned about its implications for free speech and activism.
Brad Sigmon, convicted of a double murder in 2002, is set to be executed by firing squad in South Carolina, marking the state's first use of this method and the first such execution in the U.S. since 2010. Sigmon, who killed his ex-girlfriend's parents and kidnapped her, chose the firing squad as his preferred method of execution, while awaiting potential intervention from the governor or the U.S. Supreme Court. His lawyer has appealed for clemency, citing Sigmon's transformation and renewed Christian faith during his imprisonment, leaving the final decision to the authorities as the execution time nears.
On Sunday night, 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton was fatally shot in the back by 58-year-old Rick Chow, a convenience store owner who had mistaken him for shoplifting. Chow has been arrested and charged with murder, and the incident has sparked outrage in the community. An investigation is ongoing and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Medical staff and crew members attempted life-saving measures when they discovered the woman was unresponsive during the voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, but she was pronounced dead on the ship. The FBI is now investigating the “suspicious death” of the female passenger.
Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail on Saturday, taking aim at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his Covid-19 pandemic response and accusing him of "trying to rewrite history." Trump also suggested that he was the best candidate to win in 2024, and expressed his anger and commitment to winning the presidency again. His remarks come as speculation mounts over who will challenge him for the Republican nomination in 2024.