Harvard Hosts Event to Help Students Grieve Claudine Gay’s Ouster
Harvard Divinity School hosted a “Gathering to Breathe and Heal” event on Thursday in an effort to help students cope with the recent resignation of former President Claudine Gay.
The event, organized by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, was designed to provide students with a safe space to grieve and process the departure of Gay, who stepped down amidst allegations of plagiarism and criticism for her handling of antisemitism on campus.
In a newsletter announcing the event, the office stated that many students were feeling a sense of grief upon returning to campus. The newsletter emphasized that this grief could stem from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, global unrest, and the recent resignation of Gay. As the former president had only held the position for a short time, her departure has left a significant impact on the community.
The event, which was facilitated by Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Melissa Wood Bartholomew and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Steph Gauchel, was intended to provide students with an opportunity to come together in a supportive environment. The office emphasized that the event was not meant for debate, but rather as a place for students to express their emotions and find solace in the community.
The newsletter also touched on the current challenges facing the campus, stating that the office remained “steadfast” in its commitment to addressing these issues through a restorative justice approach rooted in indigeneity and love. This approach, the office believes, will help to bring healing and unity to the Harvard community.
The event attracted a significant amount of attention on campus, with many students attending to participate in the healing process. In addition to providing a safe space for students to express their emotions, the event also served as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and belonging in creating a strong and supportive community.
Gay’s resignation has left a void in the leadership of the Harvard Divinity School, and many students are still processing the news. Some have expressed disappointment, while others have expressed a desire for further clarification on the circumstances surrounding Gay’s resignation.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging was created as a response to the need for greater diversity and inclusivity on campus. This event is just one of the many initiatives the office has undertaken to further this goal. The office remains dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of campus life.
Students who attended the event expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together and grieve as a community. Many felt that the event was a positive step towards healing and fostering a more inclusive environment. The Harvard Divinity School’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging has stated that it will continue to provide support and resources for students as they navigate the challenges facing the campus.
The “Gathering to Breathe and Heal” event served as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of the Harvard community. As the school moves forward and adjusts to the changes in leadership, it is clear that the office’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging will remain a crucial aspect of campus life.