Harvard University President Claudine Gay Resigns Following Intense Scrutiny of Testimony on Campus Antisemitism and Plagiarism Allegations

Harvard University President Claudine Gay has resigned from her position on Tuesday, following intense scrutiny for her testimony at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism and allegations of plagiarism in her academic work.

In a letter addressed to the Harvard community, Gay wrote, “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.” She went on to say that it has been “difficult beyond words” to leave the university, which she has looked forward to working with to advance its commitment to academic excellence.

Gay has recently come under sharp public scrutiny for her handling of antisemitism on campus since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, as well as accusations of plagiarism in some of her past academic writings. After consulting with the university’s highest governing board, Gay concluded that it was in the best interests of Harvard for her to resign.

The Harvard community has yet to comment on Gay’s resignation. It is unclear who will take over the role of president in her absence. Gay’s resignation comes at a time when the university is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to address issues of racism and inequality on campus.