Harvard Extension School administrator Shirley R. Greene has been the subject of plagiarism accusations in her 2008 dissertation from the University of Michigan, according to an anonymous complaint filed this past Friday. This incident marks the latest in a series of similar anonymous claims targeting Black officials at Harvard.
The complaints, which have also been directed at former University President Claudine Gay and Harvard Chief Diversity Officer Sherri A. Charleston, specifically target Black women in leadership positions within the university. Unlike Gay, both Charleston and Greene serve in administrative roles without academic appointments at Harvard.
The allegations against Greene were made to the chair of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ professional conduct committee, a report that was later accessed by The Crimson. Plagiarism expert Jonathan Bailey, who oversees the “Plagiarism Today” blog, reviewed the complaint and remarked that the allegations varied in severity from “plain silly” to “especially worrisome.” Bailey suggested that the content of the complaint justified a comprehensive examination of Greene’s dissertation, although he acknowledged that several claims did not substantiate plagiarism or pointed to minor mistakes.
Representatives for both Greene and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences have opted not to comment directly on the allegations. Harry J. Pierre, speaking for the Extension School, and Holly J. Jensen for FAS, respectively, highlighted the existence of internal policies and procedures designed to address workplace issues, assuring that these guidelines would be followed.
The pattern of accusations hints at a broader tactic among critics of Harvard, including conservative activist Christopher F. Rufo, to use plagiarism claims as a means to challenge the university and its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education
