A Harvard University dean removed for controversial social media posts
A Harvard University dean has been removed from his position after a student-run news outlet uncovered social media posts in which he criticized Whiteness, police, and expressed support for looting and rioting.
Gregory Davis, the former Dunster House Allston Burr resident dean, faced backlash after the Yard Report, a Harvard student-run news outlet, brought attention to his problematic posts. Although Harvard did not explicitly state that Davis was removed due to these posts, an email from the faculty deans of Dunster House confirmed his departure.
The email read, “We are writing to confirm that Gregory Davis is no longer serving as the Allston Burr Resident Dean of Dunster House, effective today. We thank Gregory for serving in this role and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.”
Emilie Raymer, who acted as interim dean during Davis’ absence, has now taken over the role permanently.
The controversial posts were made between 2019 and 2024 on platforms like X and Instagram. Davis assumed the role of dean in 2024.
One of the posts from 2019 on X stated, “It’s almost like Whiteness is a self-destructive ideology that annihilates everyone around it. By design.”
During the heightened tensions between police and rioters in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, Davis criticized police, saying, “You should ask your cop friends to resign since they’re racist and evil.”
As riots and looting spread across the country, Davis defended the chaos, stating, “Something to keep in mind: rioting and looting are parts of democracy just like voting and marching. The people WILL be heard.”
In 2020, around the time Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19, Davis made a controversial post on X expressing his lack of sympathy for Trump and even included a meme saying, “If he dies, he dies.”
Before becoming the dean of Dunster House, Davis made a post on Instagram about Pride Month, where he said, “Wishing everyone a great Pride. Remember to love each other and hate the police.”
When confronted about his posts, Davis sent an email to Dunster House residents apologizing for the controversy and stating that his views had evolved. He expressed regret if his statements had negatively impacted the community.
Despite the controversy, Davis emphasized his commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of Dunster House and expressed respect for the Harvard University Police Department and his colleagues.
Davis did not respond to a request for comment.
