Students of Virginity

Sunday's New York Times Magazine had a thought-provoking story on a Harvard student group founded on the principle of sexual abstinence...

Sunday's New York Times Magazine had a thought-provoking story on a Harvard student group founded on the principle of sexual abstinence.

The group's co-president, Janie Fredell ’09, tells the Times, "I care deeply for women's rights." She casts her choice as a marker of strength—resisting temptation and cultural pressures—rather than purity, but says, "People just don't get it. Everyone thinks we're trying to promote this idea of the meek little virgin female."

Other students and alumni who figure in the story include Leo Keliher ’10, Lena Chen ’09, Justin Murray ’07, and Sarah Kinsella ’07. Read the story here.

Related topics

You might also like

A Cap on A’s at Harvard? Students and Faculty Raise Concerns at Town Hall

Dozens debate the grade inflation proposal that faculty will discuss next week.

Government Seeks More Harvard Admissions Data

Justice Department says it needs proof that Harvard is complying with a 2023 court ruling.

Harvard’s Productivity Trap

What happened to doing things for the sake of enjoyment?

Most popular

Harvard Alumni and Faculty Win Six Pulitzer Prizes

Winners include Jill Lepore, Bess Wohl, Pablo Torre, and Hannah Natanson.

Harvard Faculty Approve a Cap on A Grades

Reforms to reduce grade inflation will take effect in the fall of 2027.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Explore More From Current Issue

A colorful hummingbird hovering by vibrant flowers.

Discoveries

Short takes on cutting-edge research

Historical scene in colonial Boston depicting British soldiers confronting civilians, with smoke rising, in a city street.

Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda

A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war.

Mercy Otis Warren in period attire writes at a desk by candlelight, surrounded by books.

The Woman Who Penned the Case for War

Mercy Otis Warren’s poetry and plays incited the Patriot movement.