Harvard Dean Rescinds Fellowship Offered to Manning

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Harvard is withdrawing convicted leaker Chelsea Manning's visiting fellow title. 

Harvard's Kennedy School dean said naming Manning a fellow was a mistake because the title is perceived as the school’s way of honoring the transgender who was convicted of violations of the Espionage Act and other offenses.

The sudden turnabout came after a day of intense backlash over the university’s announcement on Wednesday that Manning would become a visiting fellow this school year.

Manning's job caused CIA Director Mike Pompeo to drop a speaking engagement at the school Thursday because he felt it would betray the trust of those working at the agency. 

Former acting CIA Director Mike Morell also resigned from his position at the school for similar reasons. While the title is withdrawn, Manning is still invited to speak at the school. 

Corrie O'Connor