Harvard University President , Claudine Gay Resigns.
Gay made the announcement on Jan.
2, NBC News reports.
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It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president, Claudine Gay, former Harvard University president, via letter.
This is not a decision I came to easily.
Indeed, it has been difficult beyond words because I have looked forward to working with so many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries, Claudine Gay, former Harvard University president, via letter.
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, Claudine Gay, former Harvard University president, via letter.
The "moment of extraordinary challenge" to which Gay is referring stems from the criticism she endured last month after speaking at a congressional hearing about antisemitism on campus.
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During Gay's Dec.
5 testimony, she was asked whether students who publicly promote the genocide of Jews have violated the university's code of conduct.
Gay sidestepped the question, prompting outcry.
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We embrace a commitment to free expression even of views that are objectionable, offensive, hateful — it’s when that speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies against bullying, harassment, intimidation, Claudine Gay, former Harvard University president, via congressional hearing.
The embattled president was then publicly accused of plagiarism, adding fuel to the fire.
Gay was Harvard's president for six months, the shortest tenure in the school's 388-year history, NBC News reports.
In addition to being the first Black person to hold the position, she was the second woman to be president of the university.
