New York — Columbia University’s interim President Katrina Armstrong has resigned, returning to her role at the school’s Irving Medical Center amidst growing tensions related to federal funding and protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Armstrong announced her resignation just days after the university acquiesced to demands from the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal grants. This set of demands included a controversial ban on masks during campus protests and increased oversight on academic programs dealing with Middle Eastern issues.

In a statement, Armstrong expressed her pride in leading the university through a tumultuous period, noting, "My heart is with science, and my passion is with healing." She highlighted the challenges faced by Columbia during her tenure, which began following the resignation of Minouche Shafik, who left due to criticism over her management of pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Following Armstrong's exit, the university's Board of Trustees has appointed Claire Shipman, co-chair of the board, as acting president. Shipman will lead the institution as it navigates through significant changes and scrutiny regarding its policies toward free speech and antisemitism.

The university's acceptance of the administration's conditions has sparked widespread backlash among faculty and student groups, with accusations of compromising academic freedom and civil liberties. Critics, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, have condemned the administration's actions as detrimental to the university's academic standards.

Additionally, the ongoing situation has resulted in the detention of several pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate who's currently facing deportation over his activism. These actions have raised concerns about the administration's stance on student activism and political expression.

As the university grapples with these controversies, new acting president Claire Shipman faces immense pressure to uphold academic freedom while implementing reforms in compliance with federal regulations.

The situation at Columbia reflects a broader concern in higher education regarding the balance between maintaining free speech and addressing allegations of antisemitism, creating a complex landscape for university administrations nationwide.

Read more from the original articles: LA Times, Business Insider, The Hill.