Harvard Business School professor Rafaela Sadoun has resigned from the President’s Task Force on Anti-Semitism, according to people familiar with the matter.
Harvard interim president Alan M. Garber in January appointed Mr. Sadoun to lead the task force as co-chair last month. Her decision to resign was confirmed in a statement from Sadun and Gerber on Sunday.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to help advance this important effort to combat anti-Semitism, and I believe President Gerber has assembled an excellent task force,” Sadun wrote. . “In my capacity as a faculty member, I will continue to support Harvard University’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism in any way I can.”
“Professor Sadun has expressed a desire to refocus his research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities at HBS,” Gerber wrote. “Her insight and passion for this work helped shape the mission of her task force and how to most productively advance her important future work.”
Sadun’s decision to resign is just the latest setback for Gerber’s anti-Semitism task force, which has been plagued by controversy since its creation. After Gerber announced that Sadun would co-lead the group with Jewish history professor Derek J. Pensler, Pensler’s appointment drew criticism for allegedly downplaying anti-Semitism on campus.
Sadun’s shocking decision to resign from the special committee comes after The Crimson reported that Pensler was considering stepping down as co-chair due to criticism surrounding his appointment. Ta.
The Crimson reported earlier this month that computer science professor Boaz Barak will also be a member of the task force, and former Harvard Hillel executive director Jonah C. Steinberg will serve as an advisor.
—Staff writer Tilly R. Robinson can be reached at tilly.robinson@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @Tilly Robin.
—Staff writer Neil H. Shah can be reached at neil.shah@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @neilhshah15.
