Billboard trucks demanding the firing of Harvard University President Claudine Gay have been deployed on the New England campus following her controversial remarks to Congress regarding antisemitism. The privately-funded trucks, featuring photos of Gay during her congressional appearance, read “FIRE GAY” and are positioned around the campus, with one truck circling and another stationed at the main gate. In addition, a plane with a banner reading “HARVARD — STOP JEW HATRED” will fly over the campus. This protest comes after a similar demonstration at the University of Pennsylvania, where the president resigned.
Gay, along with presidents Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and Sally Kornbluth of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, faced scrutiny in Congress for their handling of antisemitism on their respective campuses following Hamas’ attacks on Israel. During the hearing, Gay was asked by Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik if calling for the genocide of Jews violated Harvard’s code of conduct. Gay responded that it depended on the context, leading to criticism from Jewish groups, lawmakers, and the public.
Following the controversy, more than 70 members of Congress signed a letter calling for Gay’s resignation. A board meeting was convened to discuss her leadership and the backlash to her responses to Congress. The University of Pennsylvania’s president’s resignation has added pressure for Gay to step down as well.
Harvard’s response to the protest and the calls for Gay’s resignation is yet to be determined.
