A Sensitive Census

The revelation last autumn that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) had made offers of tenured professorships to only four women during...

The revelation last autumn that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) had made offers of tenured professorships to only four women during academic year 2003-2004—fewer than in any year save one during the preceding decade—set off the debate about the composition of the faculty that rocked Harvard for much of the past winter and spring (see “Tenure and Gender,” January-February, page 64, and coverage in subsequent issues). How has FAS fared since? It is too early to calculate the yield—the percentage of acceptances—for offers extended during the academic year ended June 30, but the number of offers extended to women at both the tenured and junior-faculty levels did increase, as shown in these data from FAS’s faculty-development office.

Tenured faculty offers 2004-2005 Total 33, women 9, 28% women 2003-2004 Total 32, women 4, 12% women   Non-tenured faculty offers 2004-2005 Total 66, women 25, 38% women 2003-2004 Total 51, women 18, 35% women

Most popular

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

The two birds will be on display at Harvard this summer.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Harvard Agrees to $53 Million Settlement in Body Parts Theft Case

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

Explore More From Current Issue

A smiling William C. Kirby in a suit with glasses stands outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

The president of Harvard Magazine’s Board of Directors will step down in September.

Three young women posed side by side against red background.

The 2026-2027 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows

A football player in a white jersey evades a defender in a green uniform on the field.

Despite personnel losses, Crimson captain Xaviah Bascon is upbeat about the 2026 season.