Harvard Kennedy School has rescinded its invitation to Chelsea Manning to be a visiting fellow at the school this fall, according to a statement from its dean, Douglas W. Elmendorf.



Its Institute of Politics had announced on Wednesday that Manning would be one of approximately 10 visiting fellows, but the school withdrew the offer early Friday morning following controversy.

Manning is still invited to spend a day at the Kennedy School and participate in a forum with students, but Elmendorf said in a statement that designating her as visiting fellow was "a mistake."

He said the school hadn't intended to honor her or "endorse any of her words or deeds, as we do not honor or endorse any Fellow."



Morell, who worked at the CIA for decades, also said that he fully supports Manning's rights as a transgender woman and her right to serve in the military, as well as the right of Harvard's Institute of Politics to invite anyone they choose for the fellowship program. Pompeo wrote in his letter that his decision had "nothing to do" with Manning's gender identity.



Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer was also announced as a visiting fellow for the year.