Columbia University Faculty Senate Considers Resolution Amid Controversy
Amid concerns over potential repercussions, Columbia University’s faculty senate is deliberating a resolution regarding the actions of President Nemat Shafik. The senate is hesitant to proceed with a censure vote, fearing it could lead to Dr. Shafik’s removal during a critical period. Instead, they are considering a milder resolution expressing discontent with several decisions made by the president, including the recent involvement of law enforcement to address student protests on campus.
Political Pressure and Faculty Concerns
Some senators are apprehensive that a censure vote may be perceived as succumbing to pressure from Republican lawmakers advocating for Dr. Shafik’s resignation. Faculty members, such as Carol Garber, have raised doubts about the implications of such a vote under intense political scrutiny.
Dr. Garber emphasized the importance of not setting a precedent of yielding to external influences, stating, “We shouldn’t be coerced by political figures.”
Shift in Resolution Approach
The decision to veer away from a harsh censure resolution came after a presentation by Dr. Shafik at a recent senate meeting. Faculty members expressed disappointment with the president’s handling of a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism, where she appeared to concede to congressional demands.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about Dr. Shafik’s authorization of police intervention to disband a protest encampment, leading to the arrest and suspension of over 100 students, some of whom were close to graduation.
Campus Response and Resolution Drafting
Dr. Shafik defended her decision to involve law enforcement, citing safety hazards posed by the encampment. However, she acknowledged the ineffectiveness of the police action, prompting a shift towards negotiation strategies to address student protests on campus.
The senate’s executive committee, in contrast to Dr. Shafik’s actions, disapproved of the police intervention and advised negotiation. This disagreement led to the drafting of a resolution by the campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors, criticizing the president’s decisions.
Efforts to Restore Trust
Dr. Shafik expressed concerns about rebuilding trust between the administration and faculty, acknowledging existing tensions predating her tenure. She highlighted her commitment to free speech and academic freedom while addressing instances where free speech crossed into harassment.
Members of the faculty senate are revising a resolution to be voted on, aiming to convey disapproval of Dr. Shafik’s actions without resorting to a full censure.
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Revising the Resolution: Columbia University Senate’s Response to President’s Actions
PRI ratifies complaint against ‘Alito’: he asked me for money
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01 MIN 30 SEG
Mayolo Lopez
Mexico City (April 25, 2024) .-2:58 p.m.
The Tamaulipas legislator presented this Thursday before the Electoral Crimes Prosecutor’s Office of the FGR a complaint against “Alito” and the Secretary of Finance of the CEN, Eduardo Gutiérrez Arroyo. Credit: Héctor García
After clarifying that she is not seeking revenge, PRI federal representative Montserrat Arcos Velázquez revealed that the leader of the tricolor, Alejandro Morenoapproached last year to ask for money from the bag assigned to the National Organization of PRI Women (ONMPRI).
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PRI ratifies complaint against ‘Alito’: he asked me for money
Mexican government asks to clarify report that says the country leads fentanyl production
President Obrador Questions Agency’s Claims on Mexico Being Fentanyl Production “Champion”
Mexico City — Following recent statements from the head of an agency within the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) declaring Mexico as the top producer of fentanyl, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has expressed skepticism and called for clarification on the source of this information.
The report contradicts the government’s stance, which has previously denied that fentanyl is manufactured within the country. During a press conference, López Obrador dismissed the official’s claims, insisting that Mexico does not produce the synthetic drug. However, he acknowledged the use of smuggled chemicals in its production.
“We are closely monitoring the entry of chemical precursors and dismantling precursor laboratories, but there is a significant difference between this and Mexico being the main fentanyl producer,” stated López Obrador in response to the agency’s statements.
The president emphasized the role of Mexico as a transit point for fentanyl entering the United States, where it is manufactured using smuggled chemicals from countries like China and India. Despite recent seizures of fentanyl in Mexico, López Obrador maintains that Mexican cartels are primarily involved in pressing fentanyl into pills or adding finishing touches.
Experts support the assertion that Mexican cartels rely on chemical precursors from abroad to produce fentanyl, which then generates substantial profits and contributes to overdose deaths in the United States. While fentanyl use is not widespread in Mexico, methamphetamine addiction remains a prevalent issue.
Amidst the conflicting reports, López Obrador has called for transparency from the Prosecutor’s Office to provide clarity on the extent of fentanyl production in Mexico. The president’s remarks come in light of ongoing efforts to address the trafficking of synthetic drugs and their impact on both Mexico and its northern neighbor.
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Mexican government asks to clarify report that says the country leads fentanyl production