Boston, MA, January 9, 2026
News Summary
Harvard University has removed resident dean Gregory Davis following the resurfacing of social media posts featuring inflammatory views on race and policing. The posts sparked a discussion on the responsibilities of academic leaders regarding their online expressions. This incident highlights the complexities of balancing academic freedom with professional conduct in higher education. Following the controversy, Emilie Raymer has been appointed as the new resident dean. The situation raises important questions about the impact of social media on leadership roles within universities.
Harvard Dean Removed After Resurfaced Social Media Posts
Boston, MA — Harvard University recently saw a significant change in its administrative ranks, with a resident dean being removed from his position on January 6, 2026. This action followed the resurfacing of past social media posts that contained inflammatory comments regarding anti-White and anti-police sentiments. The incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of public communication by academic leaders and its impact on institutional standards and community perception in higher education.
The event at Harvard highlights broader discussions within Massachusetts higher education regarding the responsibilities of faculty and administrators, particularly concerning their online presence. Universities strive to balance principles of academic freedom with expectations for professional conduct and the fostering of inclusive campus environments. This development has drawn attention to the policies governing faculty behavior and the increasing role of social media in public discourse.
Details of the Incident
Gregory Davis’s Removal from Allston Burr Resident Dean Role
On January 6, 2026, Gregory Davis, who served as the Allston Burr Resident Dean at Dunster House, was removed from his position. The decision was confirmed in an email from the faculty deans of Dunster House. Emilie Raymer has since been appointed as the new resident dean, effective immediately.
Nature of the Resurfaced Social Media Posts
The removal followed the resurfacing of various social media posts made by Davis between 2016 and 2021. These posts contained strong criticisms, including statements advocating to “love each other and hate the police.” Other posts reportedly expressed negative views on “Whiteness” and “white supremacy.” One post from 2019 suggested that “Whiteness is a self-destructive ideology.”
Additional posts included a meme stating “If he dies, he dies” in reference to former President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020, and comparisons of Trump to Adolf Hitler. Davis had also reportedly expressed that “rioting and looting are parts of democracy just like voting and marching” during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. His X account, which had been set to private, now appears to be deleted.
Institutional Response and Context
While Harvard University did not explicitly confirm that Davis’s removal was directly linked to the inflammatory social media posts, the timing of the announcement suggests a connection to the public exposure of these statements. Davis had been on leave during the previous semester for reasons unrelated to this controversy. In an October message to House affiliates, Davis had expressed regret, and in a later message following his removal, he stated that his dismissal was effective immediately and that no interim resident dean had been appointed to his knowledge.
Harvard University maintains policies and principles regarding faculty conduct and academic freedom. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Professional Conduct Policy, effective for conduct on or after September 1, 2023, obligates individuals in academic positions to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity. This policy applies to actions in electronic or digital mediums and requires adherence to anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies, as well as professional behavior and judgment.
Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibility
Universities in Massachusetts, including Harvard, operate under frameworks that address both academic freedom and professional conduct. The University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities (USRR), adopted in 1970 and reaffirmed in 1977, emphasizes free expression, the right to protest, and academic freedom, while also stipulating that members of the community have rights to learn, teach, research, live, and work without interference or disruption. Interference with these freedoms is considered a serious violation of personal rights.
The balance between these tenets is a continuous subject of discussion within higher education. The Council on Academic Freedom at Harvard, established in April 2023, aims to promote free inquiry, intellectual diversity, and civil discourse, advocating for academic freedom in teaching, research, and speech.
The Broader Impact on Massachusetts Higher Education
The incident at Harvard resonates across the Massachusetts higher education landscape. Institutions like those overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) are continually reviewing and updating policies related to quality, accountability, and the conduct of faculty and staff. The DHE’s mission includes ensuring that higher education enriches lives and advances contributions to civic life, economic development, and social progress, emphasizing quality standards and accessibility.
The role of social media for leaders in higher education is a growing area of study. While social media can enhance visibility and facilitate communication, it also presents challenges regarding professional boundaries and public perception. Academic leaders are expected to maintain professional behavior, with social media use increasingly becoming a factor in assessments of conduct and suitability for leadership roles.
The following table summarizes key details regarding the removal of Gregory Davis:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Removal | January 6, 2026 |
| Individual Involved | Gregory Davis, former Allston Burr Resident Dean at Dunster House, Harvard University |
| Reason for Removal (Alleged) | Resurfaced inflammatory anti-White and anti-police social media posts |
| Nature of Posts | Included statements like “love each other and hate the police,” comments on “Whiteness,” and critical remarks about political figures |
| New Appointment | Emilie Raymer appointed as the new resident dean |
| Institutional Policies | Harvard’s FAS Professional Conduct Policy and University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities address faculty conduct and academic freedom |
Looking Forward: Upholding Institutional Values
The recent event at Harvard serves as a reminder of the complex responsibilities faced by academic institutions in fostering an environment that champions both intellectual freedom and community respect. As Boston’s colleges and universities continue to lead in education and research, upholding clear standards of conduct for their leadership remains vital to maintaining public trust and ensuring a productive academic atmosphere. The ongoing dialogue around these issues will undoubtedly shape future policies and practices in Massachusetts higher education. Readers are encouraged to stay informed on how these discussions evolve, reinforcing the values of leadership and community impact within Boston’s vibrant academic sector.
Keywords: Harvard University, Boston MA college news, Massachusetts higher education, academic freedom, faculty conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was removed from their position at Harvard University recently?
A: Gregory Davis, the former Allston Burr Resident Dean at Dunster House, Harvard University, was removed from his position on January 6, 2026.
Q: Why was Gregory Davis removed?
A: His removal followed the resurfacing of past social media posts that contained inflammatory comments, including anti-White and anti-police sentiments.
Q: What kind of statements were found in the resurfaced social media posts?
A: The posts included statements advocating “to love each other and hate the police,” critical remarks on “Whiteness” and “white supremacy,” a meme related to former President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis, and comparisons of Trump to Adolf Hitler.
Q: Who replaced Gregory Davis as the resident dean?
A: Emilie Raymer has been appointed as the new resident dean following Davis’s removal.
Q: What is Harvard’s stance on faculty conduct and academic freedom?
A: Harvard University has policies like the FAS Professional Conduct Policy and the University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities, which address both high standards of professionalism and the principles of academic freedom and free expression.
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