CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—After mounting pressure ever since her congressional hearing on December 5 about rising antisemitism on university campuses, then plagued by allegations of plagiarism in several of her research papers by Seattle-based political activist Christopher Rufo, Havard President Claudine Gay announced her resignation on Tuesday, January 2.
“It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” wrote Gay. “This is not a decision I came to easily. Indeed, it has been difficult beyond words because I have looked forward to working with so many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries. But, after consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.”
Gay, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, became the 30th president of Harvard University on July 1, 2023. She was Harvard’s second woman and only Black President in its 387-year history.
She will be returning to her faculty position at Harvard as a Wilbur A. Cowett Professor of Government. Provost Alan M. Garber, Harvard’s chief academic officer, will serve as interim president effective immediately.
The United States House of Representatives passed HR 927 on December 13, condemning antisemitism on university campuses and the testimony of university presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
During the committee hearing on December 5, 2023, prior to the resolution’s passing, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY21) accused Gay of not enforcing student code-of-conduct measures against antisemitic speech such as “From the river to the sea” and “Intifada” by pro-Palestine groups on Harvard’s campus.
“Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s rules of bullying and harassment, yes or no,” Rep. Stefanik asked Dr. Gay during the December 5 hearing.
“It can be depending on the context,” Gay replied.
Gay further clarified that only when the assertion is made against an individual and not a group.
Stefanik then asked Dr. Gay if she understands that “dehumanization is antisemitism.”
“I will ask you one more time. Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s rules of bullying and harassment, yes or no,” Stefanik asked Dr. Gay.
“Antisemitic rhetoric when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation…that is actionable conduct and we do take action,” said Dr. Gay.
Stefanik followed with clarification for Gay to specify if calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvard’s code of conduct. Dr. Gay again reiterated her statement saying that “it depends on the context” which was immediately followed by Rep. Stefanik calling on the resignation of Gay.
House Committee on Education and the Workforce released the following statement following Dr. Gay’s resignation: “What the world saw from President Gay on December 5 was repeated equivocation – and no one has forgotten it since. It is particularly appalling that on the day following the hearing, President Gay released a statement blaming members of the public for holding her to account – and rightfully calling out her evasiveness. Then there are allegations after allegations of plagiarism – this academically dishonest behavior is appalling. While President Gay’s resignation is welcome news, the problems at Harvard are much larger than one leader and the Committee’s oversight will continue.
“Postsecondary education is in a tailspin. There has been hostile takeover of postsecondary education by political activists, woke faculty, and partisan administrators. College campuses are a breeding ground for illiberal thought.
“The college education model should, at its very core, be an open marketplace for all ideas to be heard, free of political bias and agendas. Most importantly, this model should lead students to a job upon graduation.
“Many universities and students have lost sight of this.
“The Committee is working hard on policy reforms to the Higher Education Act and restore the value of college education for students and taxpayers.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton in his statement on the resignation of Dr. Gay wrote: “This is an attack on every Black woman in this country who’s put a crack in the glass ceiling. It’s an assault on the health, strength, and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
REV. AL SHARPTON STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF HARVARD PRESIDENT CLAUDINE GAY
Announces NAN Will Picket Outside Hedge Fund Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Office this Thursday to Protest His Campaign Against Gay, DEI Measures#ClaudineGay#BillAckman#Harvard#DEI pic.twitter.com/dfmYCaYCnU
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 3, 2024
Sharpton wrote that members of his National Action Network will picket outside the office of hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman’s office on January 4. He accuses Ackman of calling Gay a “DEI hire.”
