Will Harvard President Survive Reputation Burns

Harvard President, Claudine Gay

Claudine Gay, Harvard’s president, is in the thick of it reputation wise, with a vocal opposition asking for her resignation or termination . Her employer, to this point, is publicly supporting their leader. With ongoing negativity, a reasonable question becomes should Harvard continue to support Gay or ask her to step down as is the norm in similar situations?

A brief recap: Gay was one of three university presidents who were questioned by the House Education Committee over their response to antisemitism on their campuses. Gay’s interaction with New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik did not go well in many people’s minds.

“Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard's rules on bullying and harassment?” Stefanik asked.

Gay decided to answer in a way that Stefanik found evasive and indifferent.

“The rules around bullying and harassment are quite specific and if the context in which that language is used amounts to bullying and harassment, then we take, we take action against it,” Harvard’s president said.

This got underneath a lot of viewers’ skin. This however wasn’t the only crisis that would come Harvard’s and Gay’s way. There was another fire.

Carol Swain and Claudine Gay

Headline and story: Prominent professor whom Claudine Gay allegedly copied, calls for her to be fired, says Harvard needs to get ‘back towards sanity’

That has since taken on a life of its own. A former professor at Vanderbilt University, Carol Swain, Ph.D. accuses Gay of using parts of a book she published as well as an article published in 1997 without giving her clear and proper credit.

Gay reportedly has been accused of plagiarizing 40 times.

“Fire Claudine Gay posthaste,” Swain angrily posted on X, formerly Twitter, as part of a tweet post she titled ‘some free unsolicited advice for Harvard University.’

“She can be relieved of duties until the terms are negotiated.

“Hire the best man or woman who can steer the university back towards sanity.”

Swain inferred Harvard is either afraid to do what is ethically correct, pandering or both, instructing the administration to stop “appeasing the Marxist identity politics mob,” saying it “should not be a consideration,” in their decision making processes.”

Swain’s hurt and anger over her work and others being used without attribution continued.

“Have a sit down conversation with the people who have been harmed by the plagiarism of Gay and the system that protects her,” Swain continued.

For now, Claudine Gay has the unanimous support of Harvard’s board.

She has replied to the uproar and claims of misconduct from her academic work. “I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards,” Gay replied.

This is definitely public relations misery and suffering for Gay and Harvard. They have decided to hold strong and endure it together, at least publicly.

Blair Huddy

“I personally think she should step down,” says Blair Huddy, the founder and CEO at Hudson Davis Communications. “In combination with her recent comments, her reputation is really suffering and the school will eventually tire of the scrutiny.

“As a general rule, institutions tend to remain agnostic, so their backing of Gay is both out of character and unprecedented.”

Stefanik pointed out in a tweet how Gay had chances that were declined.

“In the case of @Harvard, President Gay was asked by me 17x whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvard’s code of conduct. She spoke her truth 17x. And the world heard.”

University leadership wants to support its president and needs to protect how media and the public judge it. It’s a delicate balance.

“The situation at Harvard involving Claudine Gay really brings to light the intricate challenges of leadership in prestigious institutions,” Huddy points out, adding “We’re dealing with crucial issues like ethics and the university’s reputation. The plagiarism allegations against Gay, coupled with her statements on sensitive topics such as racism and antisemitism, have sparked a significant debate. This isn’t just an academic dispute, it’s about setting the right expectations for public figures.”

It is surprising to many, Huddy included, how the university is appearing to be lenient to the accusations of plagiarism and the mere appearances of it from its top leader.

“Harvard’s approach to dismissing the plagiarism allegations while staunchly defending Gay is quite remarkable and unprecedented,” Huddy says. “This goes beyond a simple question of integrity. It’s about how Harvard is balancing its own reputation, standing behind its leaders and maintaining transparency and neutrality.”

There is something potentially problematic here from an academic perspective, she says.

“Their firm stance, despite the ongoing allegations, seems to suggest that protecting the university’s image might be taking precedence over a clear commitment to ethical standards,” Huddy states.

This moment of adversity for Gay is important to contextualize as well.

“Gay’s assertion of her scholarship's integrity, though necessary, doesn’t entirely address the broader implications for Harvard’s image,” Huddy points out.

“From a public relations and accountability standpoint, her statement, while confident, might not be enough given the complex challenges at play. This includes the potential impact on Harvard's reputation and the need for leadership that embodies fairness and inclusivity.”

Huddy stares into the horizon and in her professional viewpoint, she sees potential relief for the university and its embattled leader yet also an escalation of emotions that could lead to more painful calls for action.

“Looking ahead, the evolution of this controversy seems open-ended,” Huddy foresees. “There's a chance it might eventually recede from the spotlight, but the ongoing scrutiny and discussion about Gay’s leadership and Harvard’s response could lead to more significant developments.”

Consistency of respected behavior matters to observers of a reputation. The university and its leaders realize it and will be pressed to consider what the culture, as it is currently, calls for as a response, Huddy contends.

“Considering the emphasis on academic neutrality and the potential impact on Harvard’s reputation, Gay stepping down could be a pivotal move,” she says. “It would address immediate concerns and align Harvard’s actions with its stated values and the diverse expectations of its stakeholders.”