The interim president of Columbia University resigned from her position on Friday night, days after she said she would implement a mask ban on the Trump administration, but she said she would implement a mask ban.
Katrina Armstrong's decision to step down was triggered by a famous battle with the Trump administration, with $400 million in federal funding from the prestigious New York School. Sources told the Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Armstrong said he will return to his role as chief executive officer of the university's Irving Medical Center, she told students and faculty in a letter Friday.
“It was a unique honor to lead Columbia University during this important and challenging time.” She wrote.
“This is one of the greatest universities in the world in the most important cities and I am proud to have been able to work with exceptional faculty, students and alumni, but my heart is in science and my passion is in healing.
Board co-chair Claire Shipman was appointed as the acting president soon after. Colombia said in a statementadded that the board will serve until “complete the president's search.”
The Columbia Council of Trustees today announced that interim president Katrina A. Armstrong has returned to lead the university's Irving Medical Center. Board co-chair Claire Shipman will soon be appointed effective proxy president and will serve until the board completes its presidential search.
Armstrong's decision comes after the Trump White House called for a complete ban on masks at campus protests as part of a sweeping list of reforms aimed at cracking down on ramp-prolonged anti-Semitism.
The school was placed at the risk of complying or losing federal funds and fell into effect last Friday and agreed to implement the changes.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
