A group of Columbia faculty members has passed a vote of no confidence in the university president regarding his handling of protests.

On Thursday, a group of Columbia University faculty members passed a "no confidence" resolution against President Nemat Shafik, as internal unrest persists among anti-Israel advocates on the prestigious campus.

The resolution stated that the President's actions, such as disregarding our laws and norms, arresting our students, and maintaining a lockdown with police presence, have greatly eroded our trust in her leadership.

The vote among the 709 Arts and Science faculty revealed that 65% (458) supported the motion, 29% (206) opposed it, and 6% (45) abstained. Although the vote has no impact on Shafik's status, it is another rebuke of her leadership at a school that has experienced antisemitic unrest, illegal encampments, and was forced to cancel its main commencement ceremony.

Approximately 80% of Columbia's 4,600 faculty members were not eligible to vote, according to a Columbia official who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

The American Association of University Professors' Columbia branch accused Shafik of violating academic freedom and shared governance, and launching an unprecedented attack on students' rights.

Shafik has been criticized by anti-Israel students and faculty for the school's handling of agitators who invaded the Hamilton Hall building on campus last month.

On April 30, a mob blocked the doors and windows, shattered glass, and engaged in vandalism, confronted maintenance workers, and waved a Palestinian flag from the roof. The New York Police Department intervened and cleared the crowd, which was broadcast live on national television.

The Senate Executive Committee's unanimous views were ignored by Shafik, who brought the police onto campus, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 people, with some reports stating that half of the occupiers were not students.

"The resolution stated that the actions of the individual have put the welfare of the students at risk and that her strict and excessive punishments have threatened their futures. The resolution also noted that the offenses led to a police action that harmed the community and damaged the reputation. After the incident, the labs, offices, and libraries were locked for several days, and there were plans to expel protesters before the disciplinary process had finished."

Anti-Israel voices saw Shafik as too lenient in permitting anti-Israel protests and hate speech.

The House Education and Workforce Committee accused Shafik of violating academic freedom principles with her testimony last month, which criticized pro-Hamas and pro-Palestinian rhetoric by faculty members.

Amy Hungerford, Arts & Sciences dean, wrote a letter to faculty expressing her fear that higher education was "under increasing attack" and urged teachers and university leaders to unite for the school's survival.

Since July, Shafik has been in her role and on May 9, she wrote to colleagues about the past few weeks being devastating and her desire to move forward.

After the year 1968, Columbia took a long time to recover, and it is not something anyone wants to happen again. We have an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our mission of educating future generations, advancing human knowledge, and serving our local and global communities, as written in a letter obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

A Columbia University spokesperson stated that Shafik is still working to mend the school following the no-confidence vote.

Ben Chang, spokesperson for President Shafik, stated that she frequently consults with community members, including faculty, administration, and trustees, as well as state, city, and community leaders. She values the contributions of those working alongside her to restore the community.

Planet Chronicle' Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.