newYou can listen to the Fox News article!
Columbia University has finally parted ways with its failed president, and it’s surprising only that it lasted so long. Minouche Shafik, who resigned on Wednesday, left behind a legacy of division and violence. But her resignation will not be enough to turn around one of America’s most important universities. The university, from top to bottom, must demonstrate that it is willing to prioritize real scholarship over extremism. In fact, every university in America must do so.
I say this not only as a Columbia graduate, but as someone who was on campus during the violent protests of 1968. Then as now, protesters attacked my fellow classmates and stormed campus buildings. Then as now, campus leaders did little, too late, to restore order. More importantly, then as now, the adults present tacitly accepted and even encouraged extremism, because they forgot that higher education should be focused on finding the truth, not on trendy partisan fads.
Minouche Shafik is a case in point. Throughout her time as university president, she pandered to extremists who should have been immediately punished for their actions, or better yet, prevented from doing so in the first place. She never took any meaningful steps to channel the emotions of her students (and professors!) into constructive discussion about a better way forward. Instead, she allowed the destruction to run rampant for the whole world to see.
Columbia University president resigns after months of mounting pressure over anti-Israel protests
Her actions – and inactions – had predictable results, and if there was any doubt that she was unfit for the presidency, Shafik proved it again. Her resignation letterShe said she found it “difficult to overcome different opinions across a community.” But universities shouldn’t overcome different opinions; that would only mean creating the monoculture that already represents most of higher education. Instead, universities should respect and channel different opinions for the benefit of all.
Is Columbia going to create a culture of intellectual honesty, inquiry, and creativity?
Will Columbia do that? Will it create a culture of intellectual honesty, inquiry, and creativity? While it is certainly a good thing that Minouche Shafik is gone, it is far from clear that campus leaders are willing to do what is necessary. They must demonstrate that they are willing to return this storied university to its foundational mission of educating students and pursuing truth.
Click here to read more FOX News Opinion
That starts with hiring a new president who understands the purpose of higher education. Columbia should follow the example of Dartmouth’s president, who fostered civil dialogue among students and faculty after October 7, rather than remaining silent and encouraging violence. The university supported real learning and rejected extremism.
But hiring the right dean is only the first of many steps. Columbia must also bring in a new, intellectually diverse faculty and bring students together in forums to discuss tough questions. Ultimately, we must bring out the best in higher education, encouraging students and professors to challenge each other in search of understanding and truth.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Until that happens, Americans should view Columbia University with suspicion. Parents should think twice before sending their children to a university that is clearly not reformed. Donors should hold off until they know their generosity is doing more good than harm. I’ve been donating to Columbia for 50 years straight, and I won’t give another penny until I see real change at every level.
Minouche Shafik is gone, but Columbia still has a lot of work to do. I hope my alma mater actually does just that, instead of hiring another corrupt president. Students, and American society, deserve better.
To read more articles by William Gruber click here
