Katrina Armstrong had led the university since August, after the previous president resigned over her handling of protests against Israel's military operation in Gaza.

Columbia has drawn ire from US President Donald Trump, who claims it and other schools have tolerated antisemitism and the harassment of Jewish students. Trump has already threatened to withhold some $400m (£309m) in federal funding for the school, as his administration continues to target those involved in campus protests with deportation.

Dr Armstrong will return to her previous role leading's Columbia's medical centre, the university said in a statement on Friday. She will be replaced by board of trustees co-chair Claire Shipman, who the school said would serve as acting president.

"Dr Armstrong accepted the role of interim president at a time of great uncertainty for the university and worked tirelessly to promote the interests of our community," David J Greenwald, chair of the university's board of trustees, said in a statement. Mrs Shipman wrote as part of the university's statement: "I assume this role with a clear understanding of the serious challenges before us."

She said would "act with urgency" to advance the school's mission and implement "needed reforms", along with protecting its students and uphold "academic freedom".

(BBC/Getty Images)