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By Claire Cleary

One of University President Minouche Shafik’s first priorities in her inaugural address was to improve “engagement with the communities on our doorstep – across New York City and in Upper Manhattan.”

About a week after her inauguration, Shafik held a breakfast event where she met with local leaders like Community Board 9 Chair Victor Edwards and New York City Council member Shaun Abreu, CC ’14, who represents District 7, leaving many hopeful for a change in Columbia’s relationship with West Harlem.

Even so, community leaders told Spectator that they hope to see increased action from the University as Shafik heads into her second semester. For many, on-campus tensions, including protests and student safety concerns, have marked Shafik’s first months in leadership. With the beginning of a new semester, community leaders said they remain optimistic that Shafik will direct more attention to increasing access to Columbia’s administration and resources for the surrounding community.