As a proud Columbia University alumnus, I never thought I’d be applauding the dismissal of the institution’s president. Yet, here we are. The recent firing of President Minouche Shafik is not just necessary—it’s long overdue.

During my time at Columbia, I witnessed firsthand the growing disconnect between the administration and the student body. The ivory tower seemed to grow taller each year, with those at the top becoming increasingly detached from the realities on the ground.

Shafik’s handling of the recent campus protests was the final straw. Her failure to address the legitimate concerns of students and faculty, coupled with the heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrations, betrayed the very principles Columbia claims to uphold.

But let’s be clear: firing Shafik is just the beginning. Columbia needs a complete overhaul of its leadership structure. We need:

1. Increased transparency in decision-making processes

2. Greater student and faculty representation on the Board of Trustees

3. A comprehensive review of campus policies, especially those concerning free speech and protest

As alumni, we have a responsibility to ensure that Columbia remains true to its core values of academic excellence and social responsibility. We must demand better from our alma mater.

The dismissal of President Shafik sends a powerful message, but it’s up to us—students, faculty, and alumni—to keep the pressure on. We must seize this moment to reshape Columbia into the institution we know it can be.

To my fellow alumni, I say this: our work is just beginning. Let’s roll up our sleeves and fight for the Columbia we believe in. The firing of the president is a good start, but it’s only the first step on a long road to meaningful change.