An Icy Amenity

Photograph by Stu Rosner Dean of the Law School Elena Kagan testified that she decided on the spur of a frozen moment in January...

Photograph by Stu Rosner

Dean of the Law School Elena Kagan testified that she decided on the spur of a frozen moment in January to flood the field by Harkness Commons to form a skating rink. Almost at once, it was done, and incipient lawyers and other Harvardians took to the ice, some to practice hockey moves, others to go around in circles sedately, others to twirl and crash. The rink is lighted for use into the night, and tinny, canned music is occasionally provided. Kagan reportedly got her idea from a 1950s photograph showing the field as a rink, with frolickers. The modern rink will remain open, says the dean, "until it melts."

     

Most popular

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

The Supreme Court Affirmative Action Rulings: An Analysis

The underlying arguments project clashing worldviews of race and appropriate remedies.

Harvard researchers call for precision in reporting on Israel and Palestine protests

Harvard Kennedy School researchers on how to report pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protests accurately 

Explore More From Current Issue

A blue refrigerator covered with animal pictures, notes, and drawings, surrounded by greenery.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.