Harvard rescinds Chelsea Manning's visiting fellowship over CIA chief's protest
Harvard University has rescinded its offer to make Chelsea Manning a distinguished visiting fellow, following CIA chief Mike Pompeo's decision to cancel an appearance at the university. Manning is a transgender ex-US Army soldier who was imprisoned for seven years for leaking classified information. Pompeo called Manning an "American traitor" and said Harvard's invitation was "shameful." The university called the Manning invitation a "mistake."
Manning was invited to join as visiting fellow
Manning was among 10 distinguished guests, including former White House press secretary Sean Spicer and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, invited as visiting fellows to speak at Harvard's Kennedy School.
Pompeo said it's "shameful" for Harvard to invite Manning
In a letter to Harvard, Pompeo called Manning a "traitor" and said he "could not appear to support Harvard's decision" and canceled his attendance at an event. Pompeo said Manning's leaks had "put the lives of the patriotic men and women at the CIA in danger." "I believe it is shameful for Harvard to place its stamp of approval upon her treasonous actions."
Former CIA deputy director Mike Morrell resigned from fellowship
Former CIA deputy director Mike Morrell also resigned from his fellowship at Harvard's Belfer school in protest of Manning's invitation. "I cannot be part of an organization - the Kennedy school - that honors a convicted felon and leaker of classified information," he said.
Harvard says inviting Manning was a "mistake"
Douglas W. Elmendorf, the dean of Harvard Kennedy School, said asking Manning to become a visiting fellow was a "mistake." He said the school has a longstanding policy to invite "people who have significantly influenced events in the world even if they do not share our values." He said Manning will spend a day and speak at the Harvard forum but not as a visiting fellow.
Manning "honored" by Harvard's decision to disinvite her
Manning responded by tweeting she was "honored to be 1st disinvited trans woman visiting Harvard fellow." She also accused the university of stifling "marginalized voices under CIA pressure."
