Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned after coming under attack for her handling of anti-Semitism during protests over Gaza, as well as allegations that she had plagiarized in her academic work, The Herald reports.
Claudine Gay who took over as Harvard president in September 2023 made the announcement herself in a letter to the University community on Tuesday- following new questions about her academic work, and a donor revolt over the school’s handling of antisemitism which has only worsened.
Gay, in her resignation letter said “Dear Members of the Harvard Community, 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. 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 did not say when she plans to formally step down but she described the decision as “difficult beyond words.”
“Amidst all of this, it has been distressing to have doubt cast on my commitments to confronting hate and to upholding scholarly rigour two bedrock values that are fundamental to who I am and frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus.
“I believe in the people of Harvard because I see in you the possibility and the promise of a better future. These last weeks have helped make clear the work we need to do to build that future—to combat bias and hate in all its forms, to create a learning environment in which we respect each other’s dignity and treat one another with compassion, and to affirm our enduring commitment to open inquiry and free expression in the pursuit of truth.
“I believe we have within us all that we need to heal from this period of tension and division and to emerge stronger. I had hoped with all my heart to lead us on that journey, in partnership with all of you. As I now return to the faculty, and to the scholarship and teaching that are the lifeblood of what we do, I pledge to continue working alongside you to build the community we all deserve,” Gay said.