Harvard Classroom Erupts After Larry Summers Steps Back Amid Epstein Email Revelations

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced he will step away from teaching at Harvard after emails revealing his long-running communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public. The fallout played out in one of Summers' former classrooms this week, where students reacted sharply when a co-instructor praised Summers' contributions.

In a widely shared short video posted to TikTok, the co-instructor told students, "As I'm sure you are all aware, Larry has decided to step down from his teaching responsibilities this semester. I'm really sorry for the undoubted disruption it's going to cause all of you." He added, "We will miss his insights and his wisdom."

The remark provoked an audible exchange: one student shouted, "No, we won't," while another answered, "Yes, we will." The instructor did not respond to the interruptions and proceeded to introduce the session's guest lecturer, former British prime minister Tony Blair. The clip attracted millions of views within 24 hours.

Campus Response and Petition

A student group calling itself the Harvard Feminist Collective quickly circulated a petition urging the university to revoke Summers' tenure and sever all remaining ties with Epstein. Organizers cited newly released emails as evidence that Summers' conduct made him unfit to teach and unsafe for the campus community.

What the Emails Show and Summers' Response

The House Oversight Committee released a trove of documented correspondence that includes private messages between Epstein and several prominent figures, among them Summers and a senior legal executive, Kathryn Ruemmler. The correspondence spans years and includes an exchange in which Summers asked Epstein for advice about pursuing a romantic interest in someone he said he was mentoring.

"I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused," Summers said in a public statement. "I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."

A representative for Summers said he had no further comment. University spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment. The student petitioners have argued that stepping away from teaching is not sufficient so long as Summers retains tenure and the option to return.

Background on Epstein and Document Releases

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His extensive connections to high-profile individuals have prompted ongoing demands for more documents and transparency about his network.

Following a congressional vote to release materials related to the Justice Department's investigation, the president authorized their release; the documents are expected to be heavily redacted. The disclosures have intensified scrutiny of those who communicated with Epstein and renewed calls for institutional accountability.