The questionable content spanned from 1993, during Gay’s graduate studies, to 2017, when she served as the dean of the faculty of social sciences.
Lawyers for Harvard claimed the baselessness of plagiarism allegations against the university’s president, Claudine Gay, even before they investigated whether her work was plagiarized even while some Harvard academics expressed strong disapproval, deeming Gay’s actions objectionable, according to a report.
In a strongly-worded legal letter sent to The New York Post in late October, the college refuted allegations of plagiarism against her, stating that they were “demonstrably false.” The letter also claimed that all of her works were properly cited and credited. Days later, Gay herself requested an investigation, prompting Harvard to deviate from its own rules and seek external experts to assess her work, the outlet reported on Friday.
Cleared Without Investigation
The university cited the necessity to prevent a conflict of interest as the reason for this unconventional move. Subsequently, the external experts conducted a review and concluded that Gay did indeed need to make multiple corrections to her academic record.
Tom Clare, a founder of the Virginia-based law firm Clare Locke, known for specializing in defending clients against high-profile reputational attacks in various media, responded in late October to inquiries regarding Gay’s work.
Gay assumed the role of Harvard’s president on July 1, facing heightened scrutiny since the October 7 terror attack in Israel. She has also faced criticism for not promptly condemning students who justified Hamas’ actions.
On October 27, Clare responded to the paper, categorically dismissing the plagiarism claims as ‘demonstrably false.
