Nancy Yao, who was announced as the founding director of the Smithsonian’s proposed American Women’s History Museum in March 2023, has withdrawn from the role after less than six months. The new museum, intended to display the influence of American women in history, is expected to open in ten years’ time.
In a LinkedIn post, Yao cited the illness of her father as driving her ‘difficult decision’: ‘Although it is an amazing opportunity, and one that I’ve always dreamed of, my family needs me now more than ever. I understand the tremendous effort required for the SAWHM project, and I would have dedicated myself wholeheartedly. However, with my father in hospice care and my two wonderful teenagers needing my support, it would be impossible for me to give the project the attention it deserves while also being there for my family.’
The news also comes after a string of stories in the Washington Post that raised questions about firing three sex-harassment accusers at the Museum of Chinese in America. ‘The history and culture institution where [Yao] served as president… has settled three wrongful-termination lawsuits stemming from alleged incidents during her tenure’, the article stated. ‘Two men who were accused internally of harassment kept their jobs; one was later promoted by Yao.’ She has denied retaliating against whistleblowers.
Yao addressed this matter in her LinkedIn post as ‘another factor’ that influenced her decision to withdraw, claiming that the Washington Post articles ‘misrepresented certain events’. ‘I feel a responsibility to protect my family from unnecessary stress. Additionally, I’m concerned that if the Washington Post continues with this type of media attention, it could potentially detract from the amazing story that the SAWHM project represents. I cannot allow that to happen.’
Melanie A. Adams, director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, will work as interim director until a replacement is found.
