In a letter replying to Harper Monday, Summers wrote that he remained committed to “expanding opportunities for outstanding individuals from groups that are traditionally underrepresented.”

“I also hope that, in time and with attention to the concerns raised this past semester, we will succeed in achieving an improved relationship between the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the central administration,” Summers wrote.

Harper’s resignation exposed a rare public fissure in the highly secretive Corporation, of which Summers is himself a member. Two individuals close to the Corporation said Harper had long been the board’s sole dissenter, having opposed Summers’ selection as president in the first place.

Harper’s relationship with Summers deteriorated following the president’s public spat with West, whom Harper felt had been unfairly targeted by Summers.

“I had hoped that the unfortunate incident with Professor Cornel West was an abberation,” Harper wrote in his letter to Summers.

In an interview this afternoon, West said he concurred with the tone of Harper’s letter and his call on Summers to resign.

“This is the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” West said. “It should be clear that Summers’ pattern of behavior is that of a sociopath with deep racist and sexist sensibilities. And I just hate to see my beloved Harvard so damaged by Brother Summers’ behavior.”

—Staff writer Zachary M. Seward can be reached at seward@fas.harvard.edu.