Commentary
In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.
Thomas Andrew “Tom” Lehrer
The mathematician and satirist kept Harvard in his thoughts—and lyrics
Snapshots of Harvard History | Summer 2025
Including profundity and pretzels
Letters to Harvard Magazine Summer 2025
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.
A Magna Carta at Harvard Law School
A rare original surfaces at Harvard at an “almost providential” moment.
Alumni Praise Harvard’s Response to Government Demands
Responses to the University’s rejection of federal proposals for intrusive regulation of academic affairs
A Harvard Love Story in Poetry
Young love: the poem, plus enduring lessons from a public-health pioneer
by Primus VI
Alice Hamilton at Harvard—Pioneer for Women in Medicine
Brief life of a public-health pioneer and reformer: 1869-1970
by Daniel Stone
Short Headlines from Harvard's History
Seniors’ uncertain future c. 1940, Harvard Law Review news, and more
John Rosenberg Retires From Harvard Magazine
The long-time editor signs off
Higher Education at an Inflection Point
Making the case for higher education, diversity, the humanities, speech, and more—at a perilous time