Harvard University is facing backlash after it was revealed that they attempted to obstruct an investigation by The Post into allegations of plagiarism against Claudine Gay, the university's president. The House Education and the Workforce Committee, led by Rep. Jim Banks, has been scrutinizing Harvard and condemned their actions, calling it "shameful." Banks accused Harvard of being afraid of losing donations and taxpayer funding due to previous accusations of harboring antisemitism.

The controversy began when The Post requested comment from Harvard on allegations that Gay had plagiarized parts of three published works. In response, a law firm representing the university sent a threatening legal letter to The Post, denying the accusations and warning of potential legal action. The letter demanded that The Post's reporting not be published.

However, by December 12th, Harvard conceded that Gay had indeed been investigated by the university's top governing body and had issued corrections to two academic journals to acknowledge the true sources of her work. The allegations of plagiarism against Gay gained significant attention following her contentious hearing before the House Education Committee, during which she evaded questions about whether antisemitic chants violated the campus' code of conduct.

Critics have accused Harvard of attempting to suppress the investigation into Gay's alleged plagiarism and of using bullying tactics to intimidate journalists. The law firm hired by Harvard, Clare Locke, has a history of representing high-profile clients, including the Sackler family, Russian oligarchs, and Matt Lauer. The firm's involvement in sending the threatening letter has drawn further scrutiny.

Various commentators and Harvard alumni have criticized the university's response to the allegations. Bill Ackman, a Harvard alum and hedge fund billionaire, expressed disappointment in the university's actions and compared the situation to the suppression of the New York Post's story on Hunter Biden's laptop. Others have raised concerns about Harvard's commitment to free speech and academic integrity.

In light of these developments, House Republicans, led by Rep. Virginia Foxx, have launched an investigation into Harvard's handling of the plagiarism allegations and their efforts to suppress media inquiries. Foxx has demanded internal documents and communications from the university, questioning whether Gay is being held to the same standards as students. Fellow committee member and Harvard alumna, Rep. Elise Stefanik, has vowed to use all available tools, including subpoena power, to hold Gay accountable.

The investigation raises broader questions about academic integrity and the role of universities in upholding standards of fairness and honesty. It also comes at a time when the House Education Committee is conducting an investigation into antisemitism on college campuses.

Harvard's federal funding, which is conditioned on compliance with academic integrity standards overseen by the New England Commission of Higher Education, is also being called into question. The committee has requested records from Harvard to ensure that these standards are being upheld.

The allegations of plagiarism and subsequent attempts to suppress the investigation have tarnished Harvard's reputation and raised concerns about the university's commitment to academic integrity. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Harvard will address these issues and regain the trust of its students, faculty, and the public.