Claudine Gay shows uphill battle Black women face
As we witnessed the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay on Tuesday, amidst swirling allegations and scrutiny, one can’t help but question: Is this a mere coincidence or a symptom of a larger, systemic issue?
Her departure, in light of accusations that seem incongruent with Harvard’s rigorous vetting process, suggests a deeper narrative about the unique challenges Black women face in leadership roles.
This situation isn’t just about one individual; it’s indicative of the broader landscape that Black women navigate in positions of power.
In my own journey and observation, the experiences of Black women like Gay and former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who climb to the apex of their careers only to face a “glass cliff,” are telling. They encounter a workplace culture that scrutinizes their every move and often leaves them unsupported in critical times.
This pattern is emblematic of the “Pet to Threat” phenomenon, where Black women are initially lauded for their achievements but later face increased skepticism and resistance as they grow in their roles.
For instance, less than a year ago, Claudine Gay was celebrated as Harvard’s first Black president, a milestone hailed as a progressive step forward.
Yet, in a striking turn of events, she found herself amidst controversy and allegations, suggesting a shift from being a celebrated “pet” to a perceived “threat” in the eyes of the institution.
The journey of Black women in leadership is further marred by systemic biases. Dr. Robert Livingston, a social psychologist, illuminates this reality by highlighting the consistent need for Black women to prove their worth in environments that undervalue and overscrutinize them.
The data tells a story that can’t be ignored. Despite representing a significant portion of the population, Black women held a minuscule percentage of C-level positions as of 2018.
Research from Lean In reveals a stark reality —
Black women are frequently undermined at work.
As Tosh Ernest from Jpmorgan Chase observes, many Black women are choosing entrepreneurship not solely for opportunity but as a means of survival against systemic exclusion. This shift raises a critical question: Are Black women leaving corporate roles not out of choice but out of necessity?
The departure of countless Black women leaders from the workforce, coupled with the increasing number of Black women forging paths in entrepreneurship, signals a need for a reevaluation of how organizations support and nurture Black women leaders.
It’s not enough to place Black women in positions of power; the real change lies in reshaping corporate cultures to genuinely support their growth, honor their contributions, and recognize their unique challenges.
As we ponder these realities, we must also ask ourselves: What can we do to turn these tables, not just offer a seat around them?
Brittany N. Cole, CEO of Career Thrivers and a seasoned expert in leadership development and organizational strategy, innovatively tackles low retention and disengagement, driving transformative business growth and fostering engaging, resilient workplaces.