Tahyira Savanna is a Black Lives Matter activist and has been documenting the campaign against Dr. Gay since October 7th and the attack by Hamas against Israel.
In recent years, the issue of plagiarism has become increasingly prevalent in academia, particularly within the realm of race and diversity studies. This has been exemplified by two recent controversies surrounding prominent figures in the field: Carol Swain and Claudine Gay.
Swain, a conservative political scientist and former professor at Vanderbilt University, has been likened to William O’Neal, the FBI informant who infiltrated and betrayed the Black Panther Party in the 1960s. Swain has faced numerous accusations of plagiarism throughout her career, with several of her books and articles being called into question for their lack of originality and attribution. This has led many to question her credibility and the validity of her work, particularly in regards to her critiques of affirmative action and race-based policies.
Meanwhile, at Harvard University, Claudine Gay, the first Black woman to serve as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, has recently stepped down from her position amidst mounting claims of plagiarism. Gay, a renowned scholar in the fields of political science and African American studies, has been accused of copying and pasting passages from other sources without proper citation in her published works. This has sparked a heated debate about the standards and principles that should guide academic research and writing, especially when it comes to issues of race and discrimination.
O’Neal was shunned by many in the Black community for his betrayal of the Black Panthers, while Swain has been labeled as a ‘Black conservative’ and received pushback from some in the African American community for her views on issues such as immigration and race relations. Despite this, both have remained steadfast in their convictions and continued to share their perspectives, even in the face of criticism and controversy. O’Neal’s actions exposed the injustices and abuses of power within the FBI
O’Neal quickly rose through the ranks of the Black Panthers and became a trusted member of the organization. He was seen as a charismatic leader and was known for his ability to recruit new members. However, it was later revealed that O’Neal had been working as an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 1969. He had been recruited by FBI agent Roy Mitchell, who saw O’Neal as an opportunity to infiltrate and disrupt the activities of the Black Panthers.
Under the direction of the FBI, O’Neal provided information on the inner workings of the Black Panthers, including their plans for protests and acts of violence. He also played a key role in the downfall of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, who was killed in a raid by the FBI and Chicago police in 1969. O’Neal’s betrayal of the Black Panthers and his involvement in Hampton’s death would haunt him for the rest of his life.
On June 30, 2021, Harvard University announced that Claudine Gay, the first black president of the prestigious institution, would be stepping down from her role. Gay, who took on the role in 2018, will be leaving her position after just three years, sparking shock and disappointment among the Harvard community.
Gay’s appointment as president was a historic moment for Harvard and the broader academic community. As a black woman, she shattered barriers and represented the progress towards diversity and inclusion that many hoped to see in higher education. Her appointment was seen as a significant step towards addressing the lack of representation and systemic racism in academia.
During her tenure as president, Gay made strides in promoting diversity and equity at Harvard. She established a new position, the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to oversee the university’s efforts in creating a more inclusive campus. She also spearheaded the creation of the Harvard Presidential Committee on Harvard’s History and the Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery, which aimed to address the university’s ties to slavery and its impact on marginalized communities.
