Harvard University's governing board has announced that it will support president Claudine Gay and won't ask her to step down. The decision has been made public a day after its meeting to weigh in the backlash following her remarks at last week's congressional hearing.
The Harvard Corporation, the university's governing body, in a statement reaffirmed its support for Harvard President Claudine Gay's continued leadership.
"Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing," the 11-member board wrote.
Its decision was first reported by the Harvard Crimson. A representative for Harvard on Monday did not respond to a request for comment on the board's reported meeting.
Harvard Board has been under tremendous pressure from donor, alumni and congressmen who want Claudine Gay to take responsibility for the growing concerns of antisemitism on its campus. Today's decision comes in defiance of a majoritarian view that the university needs to change its stand on free speech amid antisemitism instances.
Board's decision to support Gay comes after over 500 Harvard faculty members rallied behind Dr. Gay, signing a petition urging resistance against political pressures conflicting with the institution's commitment to academic freedom.
Jewish communities have said universities are tolerating antisemitism even as the Pro-Palestinian groups have accused the schools of being neutral or antagonistic towards their cause.
(With inputs from agencies)