Open Letter to Claudine Gay Re Her Congressional Testimony and Apology

Dear President Gay,

As most Americans, I was deeply disappointed and chagrined by your testimony at the House of Representatives recently. I was especially disappointed to learn that you and your fellow presidents felt the necessity to be prepared for such testimony by high priced super lawyers who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Briefly stated, you and your fellow presidents’ testimony were a disaster. Several days later you publicly apologized. Denouncing genocide and hate as a no brainer.

One of Harvard’s prominent alumni, Henry Adams, wrote in his classic memoir “The Education of Henry Adams” that as a teenager he learned that apology was can't and cowardice (p.50, Modern Library Edition). I trust this is not descriptive of your apology.

In time of crisis and emergency, in the heat of the moment people often say what they really believe and in cooler times recant and apologize. We expect more from a college president as you are a role model for the student body at your august institution. Harvard’s behavior was abominable and will not be soon forgotten. I anticipate that your leadership will ameliorate this dreadful occurrence. America is counting on you.

Garry S. Sklar

Cape Horn

December 31, 2023