CNN’s Bakari Sellers has criticized conservative efforts to highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in universities in the wake of the plagiarism scandal and subsequent resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay. Sellers’ comments come as several politicians, media figures, and professors took to social media and television to argue that racism played a role in Gay’s decision to step down from her position.
Claudine Gay, who became the first Black president of Harvard, faced controversy after making comments about antisemitism on the university’s campus and being accused of plagiarism. In a letter to the Harvard community, Gay cited “racial animus” as a factor that led to personal attacks and threats against her.
The announcement of Gay’s resignation prompted Rep. Jamaal Bowman to claim that racism, rather than plagiarism or antisemitism, was the driving force behind her departure. Similarly, prominent media members such as Nikole Hannah-Jones and Mara Gay defended Gay and blamed racism for her resignation. Rev. Al Sharpton also criticized Gay’s resignation, calling it an “assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
University professors also spoke out in support of Gay, claiming that racism was at the root of her resignation. The allegations of plagiarism against Gay have reached nearly 50, accounting for half of her published works.
Gay’s troubles escalated when she testified before Congress about antisemitism on campus and struggled to answer a question from Rep. Elise Stefanik. Calls for her resignation grew louder with the emergence of numerous plagiarism allegations.
Despite her resignation, Gay will retain her $900,000 salary in her new faculty position at Harvard.
It is important to note that this article presents a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding Claudine Gay’s resignation from Harvard University. The viewpoints and opinions expressed by different individuals have been included to provide a well-rounded perspective on the situation.
