HARVARD PRESIDENT CLAUDINE GAY RESIGNS: An Inside Look at Her Resignation Letter

The following is Harvard President Claudine Gays resignation letter, issued on January 2, 2024:

Dear Members of the Harvard Community,

With a heavy heart and a deep love for Harvard, I am announcing that I will be stepping down as president. This decision was not made lightly, as I have been looking forward to working with many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries. However, after consulting 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.

Being a member of this university has been a singular honor, as it has been my home and my inspiration for most of my professional career. My deep sense of connection to Harvard and its people has made it all the more painful to witness the tensions and divisions that have riven our community in recent months. This has weakened the bonds of trust and reciprocity that should be our sources of strength and support in times of crisis. Amidst all of this, it has been distressing to have doubt cast on my commitments to confronting hate and upholding scholarly rigor - two bedrock values that are fundamental to who I am. Additionally, it has been frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus.

During a House Education and The Workforce Committee hearing titled "Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2023, Harvard University President Claudine Gay watches a video being played.

Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns

I have faith in the Harvard community because I see the potential and hope for a brighter future in each of you. Recent events have highlighted the need for us to work towards creating a future that is free from bias and hate, where we respect each other and show compassion, while also upholding our commitment to open inquiry and free expression in the pursuit of truth. I believe that we have the strength within us to overcome this period of division and emerge stronger. While I will be returning to the faculty, I am committed to working alongside you to build the community that we all deserve.

When I took on the role of president, I felt privileged to serve individuals from all over the world who saw in Harvard a place where they belonged, where talent and promise were welcomed from every background. I want to assure you that those doors will remain open, and Harvard will only become stronger and better because of it.

As we enter a new year and semester, I am filled with hope for brighter days ahead. Despite the bittersweet nature of this message, my optimism for Harvard remains strong. I believe that my time as president will be remembered as a moment of renewed commitment to finding our shared humanity and resisting the negativity that threatens the education process. In this time of great challenge and controversy, I have faith that we will all reaffirm our dedication to excellence, openness, and independence, which are fundamental to our university's mission and our ability to make a positive impact on the world.

Warm regards,

Claudine Gay