Harvard professor says Claudine Gay was “brought down by a mob”

Mike Sullivan, CBS

CAMBRIDGE – The shortest tenure of a Harvard president is over after Claudine Gay stepped down. Her resignation comes following a December filled with scrutiny over how she handled antisemitism on campus and allegations of plagiarism.

In a statement Gay said, “It has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign, so the community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than the individual.”

“She said in her statement she thought it was the right thing for the University to move forward, and she is probably right,” said Harvard student Christian Carson.

Gay took the reins more than six months ago, becoming the first Black president in school history.

 “It was good to have someone of a similar [ethnicity] to sort of represent,” said Harvard student Afomia Hunde.

“Her being the Harvard president was something that was momentous and historical, and I’m just sad she felt the need to step down,” said Harvard Extension student Kimberly Thomas.

Learn why Gay’s response to anti-semitism was part of her downfall in the original article.

Learn more about Harvard’s first Black president in this Breaking News article.

Find even more Breaking News here.