Pomona President Starr Announces Spring Sabbatical

Image Credit: Pomona College

On August 20th, Pomona College president Gabi Starr announced her decision to take a sabbatical during the spring 2025 semester in an email to Pomona students. “During this Board of Trustees-approved sabbatical,” Starr wrote, “I will focus on my next book manuscript dealing with the importance of the arts in human life and learning.” 

Bob Gaines, a geology professor and former Dean of the College, will take over as acting president during Starr’s absence. “Bob has demonstrated exemplary service and leadership within Pomona College and is uniquely qualified to lead the College during this period,” Starr wrote. She also announced that Melanie Wu, Pomona’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, will oversee Pomona’s reaccreditation efforts. 

Starr was the target of intense personal attacks during the pro-Palestine demonstrations that have rocked Pomona since last fall. After Starr authorized a call to police to remove students during their April 5th sit-in inside Alexander Hall, Pomona faculty approved a resolution “condemn[ing] the present and future militarization and use of police on the [Pomona] campus.” Students for Justice in Palestine circulated an email template that called on Starr to resign, accusing her of “fascistic” and “absolutely reprehensible” conduct. Protesters branded her “Genocide Gina" (Starr's legal first name), and her residence on Pomona’s campus was vandalized at least once during the spring semester.