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

Harvard President Alan Garber Helps First-Years Move In

As a potential settlement with the Trump administration looms, Garber gets students settled.

Harvard’s New Online Orientation Emphasizes Intellectual Paths

A summer course for first-years focuses on academic success, diverse viewpoints.

Highlighting Harvard Magazine’s Fellows

The 2025-2026 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows

Most popular

How MAGA Went Mainstream at Harvard

Trump, TikTok, and the pandemic are reshaping Gen Z politics.

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

Two Years of Doxxing at Harvard

What happens when students are publicly named and shamed for their views?

Explore More From Current Issue

Man splashing water on his face at outdoor fountain beside woman holding cup near stone building.

Why Heat Waves Make You Miserable

Scientists are studying how much heat and humidity the human body can take.

David McCord in suit reading a book at cluttered wooden desk in office filled with framed art and shelves.

The Pump Celebrates Its 85th Birthday

Giving Harvard traditions their due 

James Muller in white lab coat leaning on railing in hospital hallway.

Free Speech, the Bomb—and Donald Trump

A Harvard cardiologist on the unlikely alliances that shaped a global movement to prevent nuclear war