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| AP Photo Archive |
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| Lawrence Summers, president of Harvard University, speaks outside his office in Harvard Yard after announcing his resignation, Feb. 21. |
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One of Harvard University’s most controversial presidents, Dr. Lawrence H. Summers, was forced to step down Feb. 22 by the faculty of the Arts and Sciences Department.
In his five years as president, Summers was popular with students but was seen as radical by many faculty members, according to the Associated Press.
Summers was at first regarded as a once-in-a-century leader, but he garnered mixed reactions when he overhauled Harvard’s undergraduate program and attempted to integrate the university’s schools more fully.
During his tenure, Summers made several controversial statements, including his statement that women may be less adept in the areas of math and science.
Summers apologized many times for his comment, but his remarks led to anger that never fully dissipated.
“I looked at the extent of the rancor that had emerged in parts of the faculty of arts and sciences, and the extent to which, for many, I personally had become a large issue,” Summers told reporters. “And concluded very reluctantly the agenda for the university that I cared about ... would be best served by stepping down.”
Summers was offered a teaching position at Harvard but decided to take a year-long sabbatical from teaching.
BYU-Idaho President Kim B. Clark, who served as a dean under Summers, was unavailable for comment.
Derek C. Bok, Harvard’s president from 1971 to 1991, will serve as interim president.
