Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns amid plagiarism scandal

CAMBRIDGE, MA – In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Harvard community, President Claudine Gay announced her resignation, citing a desire for the university to navigate ongoing challenges with a focus on collective well-being.

The decision, reached after consultation with members of the Corporation, reflects a commitment to Harvard’s greater interests during a period of exceptional difficulty.

It comes in the wake of a storm in which Claudine Gay is accused of multiple plagiarism in her doctorate thesis or past research.

President Gay expressed both the honor and heaviness she felt in being a part of Harvard, her home and inspiration for most of her professional career.

The announcement, however, came amid recent tensions and divisions within the community, leading her to believe that stepping down was in the university’s best interests.

“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,” President Gay wrote.

The letter detailed the painful experiences of facing personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus.

Despite these challenges, President Gay emphasized her belief in the Harvard community and its potential to build a better future.

“I believe in the people of Harvard because I see in you the possibility and the promise of a better future,” she stated.

President Gay acknowledged the work required to combat bias and hate, create a respectful learning environment, and reaffirm the commitment to open inquiry and free expression.

As she returns to the faculty, President Gay pledged to continue working alongside the Harvard community to foster a stronger and more supportive environment.

“When I became president, I considered myself particularly blessed by the opportunity to serve people from around the world who saw in my presidency a vision of Harvard that affirmed their sense of belonging,” President Gay wrote.

“To all of you, please know that those doors remain open, and Harvard will be stronger and better because they do.”

The announcement concluded with President Gay expressing hope for brighter days ahead, emphasizing the importance of Harvard’s commitment to excellence, openness, and independence.

“I trust we will all find ways, in this time of intense challenge and controversy, to recommit ourselves to the excellence, the openness, and the independence that are crucial to what our university stands for—and to our capacity to serve the world,” President Gay concluded.

The Harvard community now faces a transition period as it looks towards the future and the selection of a new university president.