Harvard is serving as a model to attack corporate DEI plans

Diversity, equity and inclusion: The idea goes beyond social justice

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The hottest and most closely watched activist battle isn't happening inside corporate America. It's taking place at Harvard University, where Bill Ackman has applied the same playbook he has used in campaigns against the likes of Herbalife to one of the most elite and storied institutions in higher education.

The Ackman formula goes something like this: Publicly make your case against management; invite and welcome controversy to generate more buzz; demand a leadership overhaul that includes both the CEO and the board. That this strategy worked so effectively against Claudine Gay, who stepped down as Harvard's president last week, is a telling sign that academia has more parallels with the business world than many would care to admit. And if that's the case, corporate boards nationwide should be on notice that both they and their CEOs face the same risks.