Harvard President Claudine Gay has faced a barrage of criticism ever since her testimony at a hearing by the House Education Committee. Gay, along with other university presidents, did not explicitly condemn or confirm whether the use of antisemitic language by students on campus violated the colleges' codes of conduct.
Her situation worsened when it was revealed that she had plagiarized much of her scant scholarly work, which resulted in growing calls for her resignation.
However, former President Barack Obama provided powerful, behind-the-scenes support to Gay. According to New Conservative Post, the Harvard Law alumnus played an indispensable role in saving the embattled Gay:
Jewish Insider reports that according to a source familiar with the matter, Obama, a Harvard graduate, had privately lobbied on Gay's behalf as she faced pressure to resign in the wake of her disastrous appearance before the congressional hearing on antisemitism. “It sounded like people were being asked to close ranks to keep the broader administration stable — including its composition,” the source, who was informed of Obama's outreach and asked to speak anonymously to discuss a confidential matter, told JI on Tuesday.
Obama's office did not respond to a request for comment from the outlet.
It is important to note that violating Harvard's stringent research guidelines may lead to punishment that includes suspension, leave without pay and termination.
Gay's preferential treatment comes at a time when the public is increasingly concerned about the content being taught on college campuses. Many young people are displaying intolerance towards those with differing opinions, a trend that is not typical of past American students.
The New York Post pointed out a troubling discovery this week that supports those assertions: According to Harvard-Harris polling, “51% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 said they believed the long-term answer to the Israel-Palestinian conflict was for ‘Israel to be ended and given to Hamas and the Palestinians.'”
Only 32% said they believed in a two-state solution, and just 17% said other Arab states should be asked to absorb Palestinian populations.
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