The controversy began when she summoned New York police to dismantle a student encampment protesting Israel's war in Gaza on April 18.

The decision sparked outrage from students, faculty, and outside observers, leading to renewed pressure on Shafik during a university oversight committee meeting on Friday.

Over 100 people were arrested at Columbia University in Manhattan when police tried to remove a protest encampment demanding school divestment from Israeli military companies.

Protesters quickly rebuilt the camp, making it difficult for Columbia to shut down the protest.

Similar protests with arrests have occurred at schools across the US and in Europe, including Paris' Sciences Po university.

Tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters have escalated at these sites.

A hearing is scheduled at Columbia University's senate on Friday to vote on a resolution regarding the university president's actions, which could result in an expression of displeasure or censure.

The White House supports free speech on campus but Democratic President Joe Biden condemned "antisemitic protests" and emphasized campus safety.

Some Republicans in Congress have criticized university administrators, including Columbia's Shafik, for being too lenient towards protesters and allowing harassment of Jewish students.

Police were required to intervene to prevent clashes between opposing sides.