Columbia University’s newly appointed president, Jennifer Mnookin, is already facing criticism from activists who oppose Israeli policies. These detractors have voiced their displeasure, pointing to her actions at her previous institution, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she took a controversial stance against student protests.

The unofficial Columbia group, CU Apartheid Divest, took to social media platform X to express their disapproval. They stated, “Columbia just announced Jennifer Mnookin as its new president. As the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she called riot police to suppress students involved in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. She’ll fit in perfectly with the rest of the school’s fascist administration.”

Back in May 2024, Mnookin authorized law enforcement to dismantle encampments set up by the leftist groups Students for Justice in Palestine and Wisconsin Young Democratic Socialists of America. These groups were protesting for the university to divest from Israel, as reported by the University of Wisconsin—Madison’s student newspaper, The Daily Cardinal.

The police action led to the arrest of thirty-four individuals in what was described by the newspaper as a “raid.” While most of those arrested were quickly cited and released, the encampment was re-established by protestors the following day.

In addition to her administrative role, Jennifer Mnookin has been involved in various academic and community events, such as attending UCLA Black Law’s 50th Anniversary Solidarity Gala in Beverly Hills, California, in 2019. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

The Ivy League school’s board of trustees on Sunday announced that Mnookin will replace acting school head Claire Shipman effective July 1. The search for a new president began last April, after Minouche Shafik, the prior head of the school, resigned amid controversy over anti-Israel protests and encampments.

“Jennifer will be an exceptional leader for Columbia’s future,” said David J. Greenwald and Jeh C. Johnson, co-chairs of the Columbia University Board of Trustees. “She is a distinguished scholar who now leads a complex institution with clarity and vision. She understands the essential role that higher education and research play in advancing knowledge, serving the public good, and addressing our most pressing challenges.”

“She is also a keen listener who builds consensus and does not shy away from making difficult decisions when necessary,” Greenwald and Johnson continued. “As president, she will lead Columbia forward with strength and a firm commitment to the University’s cherished values.”

A demonstrator protests outside the encampment established in support of Palestinians in Gaza at Columbia University on April 29, 2024, in New York City.  (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

“I am honored and thrilled to join Columbia University at this important moment,” Mnookin said upon her appointment. “Columbia is defined by rigorous scholarship, a deep commitment to open inquiry, world-class patient care, and an inseparable and enduring connection to New York City, the greatest city in the world.”

She sent her first message to students on Monday.

“The last several years have been challenging ones for higher education, certainly including Columbia,” Mnookin reportedly wrote in an email. “Having had the privilege for the past few years of leading a public flagship university in a complex time, I well understand the significant uncertainties and heightened scrutiny many universities are now facing.”

Columbia University students participate in an anti-Israel encampment on their campus on April 25, 2024, in New York City. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Last July, Columbia reached a more than $200 million settlement with the Trump administration over discrimination against Jewish students on campus.

“I’m very pleased that we were able to bring those negotiations to a close and have an excellent working agreement now with Columbia. They knew they had an antisemitism problem,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said at the time.

Columbia did not immediately return a request for comment.