Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers has abruptly stepped down from his teaching responsibilities for the remainder of the semester. The decision follows intense scrutiny and backlash from students and faculty over his communications with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy has ignited a firestorm on campus, leading to divided reactions among his colleagues and calls for his resignation from his remaining university affiliations. Harvard has also announced a new investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Lawrence H. Summers will not finish the semester of teaching at Harvard University.
- The departure is linked to revelations about his email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Faculty members co-teaching with Summers have expressed sharply contrasting reactions to his conduct.
- Students have voiced strong opinions, with some openly celebrating his absence in class.
- Summers has also withdrawn from several prominent roles outside of Harvard, including at OpenAI.
An Abrupt Reversal in the Classroom
The decision for Mr. Summers to take a leave from teaching marked a sharp reversal. Just days prior, he had assured students in his courses that he would continue his teaching duties. However, by Wednesday, facing mounting pressure, he announced his immediate departure from the classroom.
This move came after reports detailed extensive email exchanges between Summers and Epstein. The communications reportedly showed Epstein advising Summers on personal matters, including interactions with a woman Summers described as his mentee, with Epstein referring to himself as Summers' "wing man."
Faculty Reactions Expose Deep Divisions
The response from Mr. Summers' colleagues who co-taught his courses has been notably divided, highlighting the contentious nature of the situation on campus. The differing tones were on full display in classrooms on Thursday.
'Inexcusable' and 'Repulsed'
In the “American Economic Policy” class, Harvard Kennedy School professor Jeffrey Liebman did not mince words. He told students that he was “pissed off” and “repulsed” by the content of the emails.
According to students in the class, Professor Liebman described Summers’ conduct as “inexcusable.”
His direct condemnation reflects a segment of the faculty and student body demanding accountability for any association with Epstein.
A More Muted Response
In stark contrast, Professor Robert Lawrence, co-teaching “The Political Economy of Globalization,” offered a much softer message. Reading from a prepared statement, he expressed regret over the disruption to students.
Student Reaction in Class
When Professor Lawrence stated, “We will miss his insights and his wisdom,” the sentiment was not universally shared. One student reportedly shouted back, “No, we won’t,” which was met with applause and laughter from others in the lecture hall. This immediate, public pushback underscores the strong feelings among the student body.
Professor Lawrence continued his lecture without addressing the interruption, which also featured a guest talk from former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Growing Pressure from Students and Beyond
The student body has been a significant force in the escalating controversy. A recent survey conducted by the Harvard Undergraduate Association indicated that a majority of students favor divestment from Israel, showcasing a campus environment where students are highly engaged in ethical and political issues.
The sentiment against Summers has been particularly strong. Many undergraduates have taken a hard line, with some publicly calling for his complete resignation from the university, not just from his teaching roles for the semester.
Wider Career Fallout
The consequences for Mr. Summers have extended far beyond Harvard's campus. He has stepped down from or been let go by several high-profile organizations. These include his advisory role at the artificial intelligence company OpenAI and his positions as a contributor for The New York Times and Bloomberg.
The scandal has also drawn attention from national political figures. Lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have called for his ouster from Harvard. Former President Donald Trump went further, urging the Department of Justice to launch a formal investigation into Summers' connections with Epstein.
Harvard Launches New Investigation
In response to the growing crisis, Harvard University has announced it will launch a new, formal investigation into the ties between Epstein and university affiliates, with a specific focus on Mr. Summers. This inquiry aims to understand the full extent of the relationship and whether any university policies were violated.
The university's actions will be closely watched by students, faculty, alumni, and the public. The outcome could have significant implications for institutional policies regarding donor relationships and faculty conduct.
For now, the campus remains unsettled. The departure of a prominent figure like Lawrence Summers from the classroom mid-semester is a clear signal of the seriousness of the allegations and the power of student and faculty voices in demanding accountability at one of the world's most prestigious universities.
