Op Eds
Harvard Must Take a Stand for Democracy
To silence ourselves in the name of neutrality would not only violate our own policy but also abdicate our broader civil responsibility.
This Housing Day, Quad Every Sophomore — Seriously
The time has come for Harvard to rethink housing. It has the opportunity to build a stronger community and a fairer living experience for its students. The University should lean into what it does best: burdening us — equally.
When It Comes To Free Speech, Harvard Students Must Look Inward
Many of my deepest friendships at Harvard have been formed and strengthened through meaningful disagreement, even on sensitive topics. Take a risk! If someone is not willing to listen, make that their problem, not yours.
I’m a Former HMS Dean. Here’s What Trump’s NIH Cuts Will Actually Do.
Of course the effects will vary across research institutions, as institutions differ markedly in their operating models and financial situations. Jobs will be lost, including faculty, trainees, and support staff. Ongoing and planned research studies will be canceled, and the advancement of life-saving science will suffer.
The Kennedy School Doesn’t Need To Legitimize DOGE
Now more than ever, Harvard needs to work toward strengthening public policy and governance in the U.S. and around the world. We ask that the Kennedy School leverage its institutional legitimacy to strengthen democracy, not contribute to its demise.
Harvard Didn’t Just Kill Its Slavery Research Team. It Flunked History of Slavery 101.
Many people are shocked and saddened at how badly Harvard has stumbled in its efforts to reveal and repair the legacy of slavery at Harvard. These stumbles may in fact be the most eloquent expression of the “legacy of slavery at Harvard” — a legacy driven by fear, denial, willful ignorance, institutional arrogance, and financial self-interest.
If Harvard Bends to Trump, It’s Already Lost
In sum, we urge Harvard to refuse the illusory safety of anticipatory obedience and the moral compromises it will inevitably demand. The University must not simply survive the next four years, but must do so with its values intact.
The Canceled HMS Panel Is a Failure of Empathy
Empathy should be our power — the ability to stand with people in their pain while fighting for their health. Our promise is to value the lives and health of others unequivocally. Our downfall is when we close our eyes, when we stop seeing a patient as we would see ourselves — when we stop viewing lives lost around the world as lives as full as ours.
Harvard Must Choose Veritas Over Survival
We may be able to justify, in the long run, the compromises we will make to help Harvard survive the difficult years ahead. But the University must defend truth as long as it can, and do so with fortitude and courage.
I Reported on a School Shooting. Harvard is Unprepared for a Crisis.
When there is an intruder in a Harvard building – like there was at HLS last fall — should we wait to act until the individual opens fire? Students, faculty, and staff must ask these questions in today’s climate of senseless gun violence at American schools. It is time for Harvard to provide some answers.
From CAFH Leadership: Harvard's Settlements Are No Threat to Academic Freedom — Yet
Errors and biases should be exposed by vigorous criticism from members of the Harvard community, not stipulated by University policy.
The Mission of Harvard in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence grows increasingly adept at performing intellectual tasks once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans, the question arises: What remains quintessentially human, and how should we nurture it?
Harvard Educated Eight Presidents — Why not a Philosopher King?
We do not need to believe in Platonic philosopher-kings to believe that it is good for our leaders to be equipped with the tools of moral philosophy. Those making decisions that impact the lives of their fellow citizens should understand both the empirical and ethical import of their actions.
Antisemitism Must Not Be Normalized Here
Although there are no simple solutions, with the acceptance of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the Harvard community and its leadership will be well-equipped to address egregious forms of antisemitism on campus.
The Settlement Is a Start — But Only a Start — To Restoring Harvard.
Yes, in its normal, cautious way the University is taking constructive steps to address antisemitism and is fortunate in the wisdom and skill of its president and provost. But ending the crisis will, I am convinced, require using the recent agreement as a springboard for greatly accelerated action.
