Opinion | Gay’s Ouster May Prove a Pyrrhic Victory

I really feel for Claudine Gay. A pressured resignation after a short tenure and underneath difficult circumstances isn’t one thing we should always want on anybody. But on an organizational and cultural stage, it’s straightforward to overestimate the importance of Ms. Gay’s resignation.

She started her Harvard presidency in July 2023. Holding her accountable for her response to the outbreak of antisemitism since October is suitable. But it appears unlikely that the problems plaguing Harvard resulted from a president who had been in workplace for only some months. Harvard’s tradition was shaped lengthy earlier than Ms. Gay grew to become president. Her resignation most likely gained’t change it a lot, as evidenced by reactions from Harvard college members who see her departure as capitulation to political strain.