In a bold move to express his dissatisfaction with the recent resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton has announced plans to lead a protest outside billionaire Harvard graduate Bill Ackman’s New York City office. The protest, organized by Sharpton’s civil rights activism group, National Action Network, aims to denounce Ackman’s pressure campaign against Gay and his criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The resignation of President Gay, who stepped down amid accusations of plagiarism and criticism over Harvard’s handling of antisemitism on campus, has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of black women in positions of power. Sharpton argues that Gay’s resignation is not just about a single incident, but it represents an attack on every black woman who has shattered the glass ceiling.
Furthermore, Sharpton sees Ackman’s campaign against Gay as an assault on the progress of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially at a time when Corporate America is attempting to backtrack on its commitments to these principles. Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, had been vocal about the issues plaguing Harvard’s campus and called for Gay’s resignation, along with the resignation of other university presidents who appeared at a House committee hearing on antisemitism. Sharpton accuses Ackman of targeting Gay solely because he believed she was a DEI hire, rather than based on her leadership or credentials.
Rev. Al Sharpton is no stranger to protests against businesses. In the past, he has taken a stand against racial bias in fast-food chains and led protests against establishments that threatened the livelihoods of minority-owned businesses. Sharpton’s decision to protest outside Ackman’s office sends a clear message that attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion will not go unchallenged.
When asked for a response to the planned demonstration, a spokesperson for Ackman and Pershing declined to comment. The protest is expected to take place on Thursday, drawing attention not only from New Yorkers but also from investors and Corporate America.
The resignation of President Gay and the subsequent protest highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and representation in academic institutions and the corporate world. It sheds light on the importance of DEI initiatives and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in breaking through barriers. As the conversation around diversity and inclusion continues, the actions of individuals like Rev. Al Sharpton and Bill Ackman will undoubtedly shape the narrative and determine the path forward for institutions like Harvard University.
