Cornell University president stepping down

Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack announced Thursday that she will be stepping down at the end of June.

Pollack, a computer scientist, will be leaving her post at the Ivy League school after seven years, she said in a statement.

"It is only after extensive reflection that I have determined that this is the right decision," she wrote in her announcement. “Indeed, I began deliberating about this last fall, and made the decision over the December break; but three times, as I was ready to act on it, I had to pause because of events on our and/or on other campuses."

“But continued delay is not in the university’s best interests, both because of the need to have sufficient time for a smooth transition before the start of the coming academic year, and because I do not want my announcement to interfere with the celebration of our newest graduates at Commencement in just a few weeks," she added.

She will be replaced temporarily by Provost Michael Kotlikoff, who will serve a two-year term as the interim president beginning in July. Pollack's title will be changed to president emerita by the school's board of trustees when she officially resigns June 30, according to the university.

Her resignation comes as university leaders around the country have for months dealt with accusations of rising antisemitism amid protests of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The end of Pollack's tenure presents another leadership shake-up at Ivy League institutions in recent months.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned in early January amid accusations of plagiarism and her school’s response to growing antisemitism. Just a month before Gay’s departure, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned in December following the blowback she received for her comments during her testimony before Congress.

The rise of campus protests over the continued fighting and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have thrust universities back into the spotlight.

Cornell, in particular, faced scrutiny after temporarily suspending four student protesters last month. The Department of Education said in November that it was investigating the institution over allegations of anti-Muslim and antisemitic harassment.

Despite the criticism, Pollack insisted her decision to leave the post was her own.

“I understand that there will be lots of speculation about my decision, so let me be as clear as I can: This decision is mine and mine alone,” she wrote.