A Harvard University resident dean is no longer with the institution after a storm of controversy erupted over deeply divisive social media posts. Gregory Davis, formerly the Allston Burr Resident Dean of Dunster House, was removed from his position Monday, according to a communication sent to residents.
The decision, announced by Faculty Deans Shirley and Taeku Lee, offered a brief statement of gratitude for Davis’s service and well wishes for his future. The swiftness of the removal, and the lack of detailed explanation, immediately fueled speculation about the reasons behind it.
The controversy stemmed from posts unearthed last October by a student-run blog. These posts, which Davis later claimed did not reflect his current beliefs, contained harsh criticism of political figures and provocative statements on race and policing.
Among the most inflammatory were comparisons of former President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, dating back to 2016. He also expressed sentiments that appeared to celebrate the potential misfortune of a political opponent, referencing a line from the movie “Rocky IV” regarding Trump’s health.
Davis’s posts extended beyond political commentary, including calls to “hate the police” and denouncements of “whiteness.” He also openly mocked the death of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, further escalating the outrage.
Following the exposure of these posts, calls for Davis’s termination intensified. He responded by deleting his social media accounts and issuing an apology, stating he regretted any negative impact on the Dunster House community.
Prior to the controversy, Davis was known as a vocal advocate for affirmative action and engaged in public debates on the topic, including one with prominent scholar Heather Mac Donald. His views on racial preferences were well-documented.
The university has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Davis’s departure, citing a policy of not commenting on personnel matters. His profile has also been removed from the Harvard website, signaling a clear break.
This case raises fundamental questions about the role of educators and the boundaries of free speech on university campuses. The incident has sparked debate about whether institutions of higher learning should be spaces for open discourse, even when that discourse is deeply controversial, or whether they have a responsibility to maintain a neutral and unbiased environment.
The removal of Davis, despite Harvard’s generally liberal reputation, underscores the seriousness with which the university appears to have taken the allegations. It signals a potential shift towards prioritizing institutional neutrality and addressing concerns about political bias within its leadership.
