After releasing a draft of recommendations developed through conversations and listening sessions with Harvard faculty, students, and staff, the Presidential Task Force on Inclusion and Belonging has selected a longlist of 20 choices from among 168 submissions to replace the final line of Harvard’s alma mater. The contested line, which currently reads “Till the stock of the Puritans die,” has been in place since 1836. The longlisted entries are:
- Brightly shining, ever glorified.
- Till the end of the ages draws nigh.
- O for this we forever will strive.
- Till the darkness of ignorance dies.
- Be our haven that never shall die.
- While the banners of Veritas fly.
- Lest the glory of Veritas die.
- For each creature of land, sea, or sky.
- As True North guides our way from on high.
- ‘Til the stars cease to brighten the sky.
- Till the stars in the firmament die.
- Veritas be Thy Destiny’s guide.
- Veritas be Thy Ancestor’s pride.
- Lest the hope of the Puritans die.
- And let Veritas—Truth—never die.
- Till the mind and compassion ally.
- Like the sun’s blessed light in the sky.
- Lest the hopes of our ancestors die.
- Setting wisdom and justice on high.
- Pressing steadfastly onward for aye.
Through the end of October, members of the Harvard community are invited to comment on the longlist. The finalists will then be shared with a panel of five judges, including Kurt Crowley ’06, associate conducter of the musical Hamilton, as well as Franklin Leonard ’00, founder of The Black List. The task force will share the winning entry at the start of the spring semester.
