Sharon Otterman
Sharon Otterman is a New York Times reporter covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. She has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Yale and a master's in international relations from Columbia University. Before joining The Times, she lived in Egypt on a Fulbright fellowship, where she wrote articles about women, Islam and political reform. Her international experience has served her well in New York, the most international of American cities. She can speak various languages including Spanish, French and Egyptian Arabic. Otterman's reporting has led to exposing a corrupt detective and the exoneration of more than a dozen wrongfully convicted men. She also played a role in reforms in how the Roman Catholic Church deals with the sexual harassment of adults and seminarians. As a Times journalist, she adheres to the standards of integrity outlined in The Times' Ethical Journalism Handbook.
82%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
95%
Examples:
- Sharon Otterman has a history of covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. She is guided by her curiosity and desire to right wrongs, explain topics that are often misunderstood and explore concerns that might otherwise not be brought to public attention.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
No current examples available.
Contradictions
75%
Examples:
- During the encampment, there were film screenings, teach-ins, and hundreds of students marched in support.
Deceptions
60%
Examples:
- In Congress, Columbia's Leaders Try to Please. At Home, They Face Anger. For Columbia's president, Nemat Shafik, a hearing on antisemitism went relatively well. But on campus, intense protests suggest a difficult road ahead for the university.
Recent Articles
Over 2,000 Arrests: University Protests for Palestine Continue Unabated in US and Italy
Broke On: Monday, 06 May 2024Over 2,000 arrests have been made during ongoing Palestine protests at universities across the US and Italy. Protests include encampments, flag raisings, and calls for research agreement interruptions. Columbia University canceled its commencement ceremony due to security concerns following weeks of protests. 
Columbia University Senate Rebukes Administration for Shutting Down Pro-Palestinian Protest, Renewing Pressure on President Nemat Minouche Shafik
Broke On: Monday, 29 April 2024Columbia University's administration faced criticism from the senate for arresting over 100 students during a pro-Palestinian protest, which led to calls for academic freedom and transparency. Negotiations between students and administrators reached an impasse, resulting in a deadline for students to leave the encampment or face suspension. Students accused the university of using intimidation tactics and vowed to continue negotiations. 
Columbia University: Clash of Protesters and Authorities Over Gaza War Continues Amidst Arrests and Controversy
Broke On: Thursday, 18 April 2024Columbia University: Over 100 Students Arrested for Protesting Gaza War, Encampment Demolished; Students Vow to Remain, Support Rallies Planned at Other Universities 
108 Protesters Arrested at Columbia University for Gaza Solidarity Encampment: Academic Freedom Violated
Broke On: Thursday, 18 April 2024Over 108 demonstrators were arrested by the NYPD at Columbia University's South Lawn during a Gaza Solidarity Encampment protest against Israel's war on Gaza. Faculty members condemned the arrests for violating academic freedom, and students held press conferences expressing outrage. President Minouche Shafik allowed NYPD access to campus despite not reaching consensus. The encampment, with over 50 tents, existed for about a day and a half before Barnard suspended three students involved. Tensions rose as NYPD cleared the area and made arrests. 
Columbia University: A Battlefield of Protests - Free Speech vs. Antisemitic Rhetoric
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 April 2024Intense protests at Columbia University over pro-Palestinian demonstrations and free speech rights, leading to 108 arrests and tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli student groups.