A senior dean at Harvard University has been dismissed from his position following an investigation by a student-run news organisation into his past social media activity. The posts, which resurfaced in October 2024, contained remarks that appeared to support violence during protests and were critical of law enforcement and former US President Donald Trump.
The Controversial Posts That Sparked Outrage
The controversy centred around posts made by Gregory Davis on the platform X (formerly Twitter) back in 2020. According to reports from the Harvard Crimson, the student outlet Yard Report brought these posts to light. In them, Davis shared a meme stating “If he dies, he dies” in reference to President Trump and said he would not fault those wishing him harm.
Furthermore, the dean described “rioting and looting” as part of the democratic process and labelled police personnel as “racist and evil.” The Yard Report accused Davis of harbouring hostility toward “White people, police, Republicans, and President Trump,” leading to calls for his immediate termination.
Fallout and Family Crisis
While neither Harvard University nor Gregory Davis officially confirmed the exact reason for his removal, the action came swiftly after the publication of the old posts. Davis, who was the Allston Burr Resident Dean of Dunster House, was appointed to the role in 2024. This position is crucial within Harvard's undergraduate residential system, involving academic and personal guidance for students.
The dismissal has triggered a personal crisis for his family. Davis is married to Nirisi Angulo, who has since set up a GoFundMe page seeking financial support. She revealed that the family was given only 10 days to vacate their university housing following his termination. “This sudden and unplanned upheaval has left us scrambling to find a safe home for our family amidst the harsh winter months,” she wrote on the fundraising platform.
Apology and Aftermath
Facing severe online backlash after the posts resurfaced, Davis issued an apology in October. In a message circulated to House affiliates, he expressed regret and extended respect to his campus colleagues, including members of the Harvard University Police Department.
Following his removal, Davis confirmed his dismissal in a message, stating it had been “the greatest honor” to serve as the Resident Dean for Dunster House and that he would miss his work with students and staff. In a subsequent email, Dunster Faculty Dean Taeku Lee announced that Emilie Raymer, who served as interim dean during Davis's parental leave, would continue in the role for the time being.
Davis is a Harvard alumnus himself, holding a master's in psychology and a PhD in African American/Black Studies. Prior to his role at Harvard, he served as a teaching fellow at UCLA Law and an associate professor at Southwestern Law School.
