Harvard University’s president, Claudine Gay, has resigned from her position amid allegations of plagiarism and fallout from her comments about antisemitism on campus. In a letter announcing her resignation, Gay stated that she did not arrive at the decision quickly as she was looking forward to finishing her tenure at the revered institution. Gay explained that it was in the interest of Havard that she resign and pave the way for the varsity to navigate its current challenges without focusing on an individual. “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,” read her letter in part. Gay pointed out that the last few weeks have been distressing as her commitment to confronting hate was put into question. She disclosed that it was frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial hostility towards her persona. What next for Gay after resignation Gay announced that she would be returning to her position as a member of the faculty. She added that her commitment to a better community is intact, and she would continue her duties towards achieving that. “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,” she wrote. Gay faces plagiarism claims TUKO.co.ke reported that Gay, the first black president of the prestigious university in the United States, was caught in the web of a plagiarism scandal. A blogger who published a comparative text of her work and the original paper accused her of plagiarism in her doctoral thesis. Several petitions were presented seeking her resignation and the termination of her appointment as leader of the A-list academic institution.
by Didacus Malowa