Gay is actually a capable academic administrator - she led Harvard's Faculty of Arts & Sciences for years before taking over Mass Hall.
But she's not going to last after the testimony last week and the University's earlier response to the crisis. Regardless of the faculty and student support, it's clear some of the biggest donors (and likely a significant number of midsized and smaller donors) will never support her, and/or will be second-guessing every major statement, appointment, or policy move. In resignation statement language, she's become a "distraction" to the mission of the university.
There's precedence for Harvard presidents to leave suddenly, including Larry Summers nearly 20 years ago. Former president Derek Bok took over on an interim basis. Something similar will happen here, maybe Drew Gilpin Faust or another trusted former leader.
But she's not going to last after the testimony last week and the University's earlier response to the crisis. Regardless of the faculty and student support, it's clear some of the biggest donors (and likely a significant number of midsized and smaller donors) will never support her, and/or will be second-guessing every major statement, appointment, or policy move. In resignation statement language, she's become a "distraction" to the mission of the university.
There's precedence for Harvard presidents to leave suddenly, including Larry Summers nearly 20 years ago. Former president Derek Bok took over on an interim basis. Something similar will happen here, maybe Drew Gilpin Faust or another trusted former leader.