As Claudine Gay announced her resignation, Harvard University stands at a crossroads as it set about to find a new president for the institution. Although the institution has not officially revealed how many candidates are shortlisted, there have been reports suggesting that they might appoint former President Barack Obama to this prominent position.
The university has emphasized its commitment to a rigorous and inclusive search by pointing out the need for widespread interaction and consultation with wider Harvard community. Robert Putnam Harvard professor emeritus of public policy also demonstrated skepticism about Obama taking the job.
Putnam insisted on the necessity of leselecting someone from Gay, as a successor who would represent diversity in raciveness or gender.
Some media reports prior to Gay’s resignation said that Obama secretly played her advocate as a hearings on antisemitism unfolded. Harvard is another significant connection to Obama, The fact that he graduated from the Law School in 1991 and while there served as the president of the Law Review only adds fuel to this ongoing speculation.
1960 led to Claudine Gay’s departure from the presidency after a number of scandals that included accusations of plagiarism, heavily criticized by him for failing to respond sufficiently on antisemitism within campus. Gay made her resignation letter sound very heavy, where she willingly and robustly said that she left the place which is very close to her – Harvard.
She recognized the weight of the decision and said, When Harvard Corporation members discussed this matter together, they came to realize that my resignation would be best in such a difficult situation for Harvard; not because of me but rather so that the college community could concentrate on rebuilding both institutionally and ideologically.
This is an important junction for Harvard as it tries to move forward looking for leadership.