“I Remain Resolute”: President Rosenbury Responds Following Shafik’s “Sudden” Resignation

In an email to the Barnard community, President Rosenbury responded to former Columbia President Shafik’s resignation.

Photography by Martha Castro/The Barnard Bulletin

By Sunaya Mueller, Sophie Meritt, and Lily Sones

August 15, 2024

Barnard President Laura Rosenbury emailed the Barnard College community on Thursday evening in response to former Columbia President Minouche Shafik’s resignation from her post on Wednesday, August 14th. 

Rosenbury wrote that she is “still processing what this leadership transition will mean for both Columbia and Barnard,” but affirmed that she plans to remain in her role as Barnard’s President.

“I remain resolute in my commitment to helping Barnard move forward and thrive,” Rosenbury wrote in her first communication with the Barnard community since May 2nd, 2024. “I am excited to continue to parter with [Barnard faculty and staff] and our amazing alumnae to support all our students.”

Like Shafik, President Rosenbury has faced criticism from faculty and students about her response to student protests this past semester.

In April, Barnard faculty members of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) voted 102-0 to issue a statement of “no confidence” in President Rosenbury.

Rosenbury’s communication comes after an uncertain past few hours for the Barnard community – some Barnard students speculated online that Rosenbury would resign soon after Shafik.

On Sidechat, an anonymous messaging group, some Barnard students responded to the news of Shafik’s resignation, posting comments such as “Um so when is it rosenbury’s turn….,” “All I want for christmas is a rosenbury resignation email,” and “ROSENBURY NEXT.”

“Open and nuanced dialogue across our differences has long been a vital part of learning at Barnard, and it must continue to be so,” Rosenbury wrote in her email. “We will continuously learn and affirm the cornerstone of our educational and research missions.”

Rosenbury stated that she looks forward to working with Columbia’s interim president, Dr. Katrina Armstrong, to “ensure that Barnard remains an incredible place to live and learn” this academic year.