Calls for Harvard president Claudine Gay to resign intensify

Harvard President Claudine Gay is facing mounting pressure to resign after a controversial appearance before Congress. During the hearing, she failed to address whether students advocating for the genocide of Jewish people would face repercussions. Dr. Gay issued an apology afterward but received support from hundreds of Harvard faculty members, who called on the university to resist firing her. Today, the Harvard Corporation is set to hold a meeting to discuss her fate and possible courses of action. The controversy arose when Dr. Gay and her counterparts from the University of Pennsylvania and MIT were asked by Republican Rep Elise Stefanik whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate Harvard's code of conduct. Dr. Gay's response, stating it "depends on the context," drew criticism. More than 500 faculty members signed a petition supporting Dr. Gay and her commitment to academic freedom. Some believe her fate should not be influenced by political pressure. Meanwhile, disgruntlement also led to the resignation of Elizabeth Magill, President of the University of Pennsylvania, following the withdrawal of a significant university donation. Over 70 members of Congress have called for Dr. Gay's resignation, citing her response as contrary to the principles expected from academic leaders. College campuses in the US have experienced frequent pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests, which have raised concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.