“Mr. Winokur is essentially investigating his own actions and approving or disapproving the resulting report,” Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-Fla.) wrote in a February letter.

“You can understand why disinterested observers might conclude that the report’s independence, or at least the appearance of independence, has been compromised,” their letter said.

Students who led efforts to oust Winokur from his Harvard position welcomed Friday’s announcement.

“We’re happy that Harvard University has taken a first step in distancing itself from the Enron fallout,” said Arin Dube, a member of HarvardWatch, a student organization that released a report in February calling for Winokur’s resignation.

“I think that it’s hopefully a step toward a more accountable Harvard Corporation overall,” said Benjamin L. McKean ’02, who is also a member of HarvardWatch.

McKean said that he hoped for an open search for Winokur’s replacement.

“His resignation will hopefully lead the way to an inclusive search process that doesn’t just include Corporation members but also includes students and faculty members,” he said.

According to the press release, the search for Winokur’s successor “will begin soon.”

Corporation members—including Winokur—could not be reached for comment this evening.

—Joseph P. Flood and Elisabeth S. Theodore contributed to the reporting of this story.

—Staff writer David H. Gellis can be reached at gellis@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at shoichet@fas.harvard.edu.