Professor Raffaella Sadun, who served as co-chair of the newly established task force on antisemitism at Harvard, became the second person to resign from the committee. Their decision was reportedly based on the university's refusal to commit to changes that would ensure a safer environment for Jewish faculty and staff on campus.
Harvard's interim president, Alan M. Garber, confirmed the news in a statement indicating that Dr. Sadun seeks to refocus her efforts on her research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities at Harvard Business School (HBS).
"Her insights and passion for this work have helped shape the mandate for the task force and how it can best productively advance the important work ahead," Garber said.
In a separate statement, Professor Sadun also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help combat antisemitism and pledged that she will continue to support efforts to address antisemitism at Harvard from her faculty position.
Garber appointed Sadun as co-chair of the task force in January, but Jared Ellias, a law professor, will now replace her.
The reason for resignation
According to a Harvard Crimson report, Sadun resigned because she felt that Harvard had no intention of putting into practice the ideas proposed by the task force, created by the institution's former president, Claudine Gay, in the fight against antisemitism. Sadun had allegedly requested on several occasions that the university commit to implementing the group's recommendations rather than treating them simply as advice. However, the institution allegedly did not guarantee the implementation of the proposals.
It should be noted that Professor Sadun's resignation follows that of Rabbi David Wolpe at the end of last year. At the time, the rabbi explained that he made that decision because he did not believe he could achieve the necessary impact or change in the institution.
1/3 Resigning, a Hanukkah Message: As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard. Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short…
— David Wolpe (@RabbiWolpe) December 7, 2023
