Brandeis President Steps Down After No Confidence Vote From Faculty

WALTHAM, MA — Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz is stepping down from his position after an earlier vote of no confidence from the university's faculty senate.

Liebowitz will vacate the position as of Nov. 1 and will be replaced on an interim basis by Arthur E. Levine, an alum of the university.

The faculty senate vote was close, separated by only 10 votes, Boston.com first reported.

The decision comes after a tumultuous last year for the university. In November 2023, seven people — including students — were arrested at a pro-Palestinian rally on the university campus. That rally came days after the university was likely the first in the nation to ban its college chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

The college's athletic department was also hit with scandal when members of the women's basketball team threatened to quit over what they called a toxic culture and instances of racist language.

Then, the university community learned that layoffs were likely coming, with upwards of 60 positions on the chopping block.

What University Officials Are Saying

The university was notified of the president's resignation on Wednesday through a letter from Board of Trustees chair Lisa Kranc.

Though Liebowitz is resigning his position, his influence was solidified as he was named president emeritus for the Board.

"This honor provides him with a platform to continue to advocate for Brandeis and its values," Kranc wrote.

Liebowitz also issued a statement on his resignation, which can be read here.