If America had a different history than it does, I would likely support the view that Dr. Gay’s resignation was appropriate. However, I cannot countenance the rank hypocrisy that attaches to this situation. When Liz Magill resigned under duress from the University of Pennsylvania, white people – including white women – did not have to worry about whether other white people would be negatively affected. No intellectually honest person would make the same claim regarding Gay’s departure. Unless or until that fact changes, no similarly placed African American should feel secure in his or her role.
