Commentary
In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.

Yesterday’s News
Including profundity and pretzels
Cambridge 02138
Readers’ views on gender gaps, freedom of speech, an editor’s farewell, the hippocampus, Alice Hamilton, standing up to the Trump administration, and more

This is How Universities Die
Higher ed thrived in Berlin and Beijing. Then government stepped in.
by William C. Kirby

An Original Magna Carta, Hidden in Plain Sight
A rare original surfaces at Harvard at an “almost providential” moment.
by Nina Pasquini

Voices Raised about Harvard
Responses to the University’s rejection of federal proposals for intrusive regulation of academic affairs

We Were Students Once...
Young love: the poem, plus enduring lessons from a public-health pioneer
by Primus VI

Alice Hamilton
Brief life of a public-health pioneer and reformer: 1869-1970
by Daniel Stone

Yesterday’s News
Seniors’ uncertain future c. 1940, Harvard Law Review news, and more
Fond Farewell
The long-time editor signs off
Playing Offense
Making the case for higher education, diversity, the humanities, speech, and more—at a perilous time