Board drops Stefanik
Dean cites her false assertions about voter fraud
Harvard dean cites congresswoman’s false assertions about voter fraud./
Harvard University ’s Kennedy School removed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik from its senior advisory committee Tuesday after the school’s dean determined the Schuylerville Republican made public assertions about voter fraud and the 2020 presidential election that have “no basis in evidence.”
The decision came after Stefanik last week objected to certifying the presidential election results on the heels of a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald J. Trump.
More than 750 Harvard students and alumni had petitioned for her ouster.
Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf said in a letter Tuesday that he spoke with Stefanik and asked her to step aside. After she declined, Harvard removed her from the now 12member senior advisory committee for its Institute of Politics.
Stefanik, who graduated from the Institute of Politics in 2006, released a statement lambasting the university for creating a “monoculture of like-minded, intolerant liberal views” after Harvard announced its decision.
“As a conservative Republican, it is a rite of passage and badge of honor to join the long line of leaders who have been boycotted, protested, and canceled by colleges and universities across America. The decision by Harvard’s administration to cower and cave to the woke left will continue to erode diversity of thought, public discourse, and ultimately the student experience,” Stefanik said in a statement. “Congratulations Harvard, the entire Board of the Institute of Politics now consists only of Joe Biden voters — how reflective of America.”
Elmendorf said his decision to ask Stefanik to step aside was not about politics or who she supported for president.
“Rather, in my assessment, Elise has made public assertions about voter fraud in November’s presidential election that have no basis in evidence, and she has made public statements about court actions related to the election that are incorrect,” Elmendorf said. “Moreover, these assertions and statements do not reflect policy disagreements but bear on the foundations of the electoral process through which this country ’s leaders are chosen.”
Richard L. Berke, a member of the senior advisory committee, said Tuesday: “It was heartening to see such passion and engagement from current and former students who care so deeply about the (Institute of Politics) — and its message of encouraging the best in public service — that they wanted their voices heard.”
Stefanik has recently faced calls for her resignation, according to television report but has no intention to do so. Other Republicans in Congress who objected to the election certification have experienced similar reactions.
Simon and Schuster canceled plans to publish the book of Sen. Josh Hawley, R-MO., after he led objection efforts in the Senate.