Ye scallywag of a president be beggin' forgiveness fer cancelin' commencement! Time fer some tough interrogatin'! Arrr!
2024-05-15
Arrr, 'tis a mighty strain on our crew at Columbia University, says President Minouche Shafik. The scurvy dogs be causin' quite a ruckus with their anti-Israel protests, makin' things rough for our Jewish shipmates. Aye, 'tis a right mess we be in!
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik apologized to students for canceling the main university commencement due to security concerns from anti-Israel protests. Shafik expressed deep regret in an op-ed published in the Columbia Daily Spectator, acknowledging the disappointment felt by many graduates. The university replaced the traditional ceremony with smaller events following a wave of antisemitic protests that led to numerous arrests.Shafik recognized the strain on the campus community, particularly its Jewish members, caused by the protests. She emphasized the need to address the conflict between protesters' rights and the impact on the Jewish community. Shafik emphasized the importance of asking difficult questions and enforcing campus norms to ensure safety and academic pursuits without police involvement.She commended the resilience of the graduating class, who faced challenges from COVID-19 to conflicts. Shafik praised them as future leaders in a world in need of their leadership, amidst turbulent events shaping their university experience.