Commentary

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

Montage of Tom Lehrer performing at a piano; his signature; and several album covers

Thomas Andrew “Tom” Lehrer

The mathematician and satirist kept Harvard in his thoughts—and lyrics

by Jonathan Shaw

Illustration of a math students gathering, 1936, in Annanberg Hall, Memorial Hall

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

Headstone reading "Here Lies University" in Latin

This is How Universities Die

Higher ed thrived in Berlin and Beijing. Then government stepped in. 

by William C. Kirby

Magna Carta on display in Houghton Library

A Magna Carta at Harvard Law School

A rare original surfaces at Harvard at an “almost providential” moment. 

by Nina Pasquini

top part of a iron gate at Harvard

Alumni Praise Harvard’s Response to Government Demands

Responses to the University’s rejection of federal proposals for intrusive regulation of academic affairs

A bride and groom in formal attire cut a tiered cake at a candlelit wedding reception table.

A Harvard Love Story in Poetry

Young love: the poem, plus enduring lessons from a public-health pioneer

by Primus VI

Alice Hamilton in a dark dress with high lace collar, gazing left in a sepia-toned portrait

Alice Hamilton at Harvard—Pioneer for Women in Medicine

Brief life of a public-health pioneer and reformer: 1869-1970

by Daniel Stone

At an anxious time, c. 1940, seniors consult the crystal ball about their future; a cartoon with John Harvard statue

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