"Harvard Misinformation Expert Alleges Meta Pressure in Firing"

Joan Donovan, a leading expert on misinformation, claims she was fired by Harvard University after criticizing Meta (formerly Facebook) while the school was receiving a $500 million pledge from Mark Zuckerberg's charity. Donovan alleges that her funding was cut off, she faced a smear campaign by Harvard employees, and her right to free speech was violated. The controversy arose from Donovan's publication of the Facebook papers, leaked by whistleblower Frances Haugen, which she believed to be of public interest. Harvard denies that Donovan's departure was related to Meta and states that she was offered a part-time position, which she declined. Donovan's filing suggests that the significant financial influence of Meta's donations may have played a role in her treatment.