Commentary

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

A large red letter "A" towers over two black silhouettes reaching up and one walking away.

Harvard Faculty Group Proposes Limits on A Grades

The grade inflation measure requires a full faculty vote, expected in the spring.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Photograph of Kit Parker on duty in Afghanistan, spring 2003, with a village leader in Kandahar Province

Afghanistan Will Be What It Always Was

But will we be better? A veteran’s reflections

by Kit Parker

Letters from our readers

Restorative justice, Radcliffe rebranded, endowment reparations

Photographic portrait of Harvard president Lawrence S. Bacow

ManyVoices

On speaking out—on Harvard’s behalf

by Lawrence S. Bacow

How will Harvard change post-coronavirus?

Opportunities in admissions, online degrees, research, and more

“/Gaishay focusing the camera,” a photograph taken during a 1957-58 ethnographic expedition in Namibia, shows three indigenous boys, one standing behind a camera on a tripod

Documenting New England’s Unseen

Seeking mentorship as a student of color, and finding a calling in the arts

by Che Applewhaite

An illustration showing a professor held back by ivy vines, representing traditional and reluctance to change

Forum: Is Harvard Complacent?

Considering fundamental change in the wake of the pandemic

by Brian Rosenberg

Michael Porter

Governance Reform and Shared Value

Michael Porter on the new business agenda

by Juliet Isselbacher

Lawrence S. Bacow

A New Way

President Bacow on exploring better work-life balance after the pandemic

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Letters from our readers

A standard-setter retires—plus U.S. presidential debates, Overseer elections, admissions biases

Civic leaders, and myths about undergraduate teaching

Corporation members’ civic-mindedness, and undergraduate education at research universities