Commentary

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

Harvard football player runs with the ball, pursued by opposing players on the field.

Harvard Football: Villanova 52, Harvard 7

The Crimson’s inaugural playoff appearance is nasty, brutish, and short.

by Dick Friedman

“/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

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

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

A stylized illustration of a tree with many small flowers blooming on one side and on the other one small branch on which a small human figure is nurturing one large blossom

Pondering the Extracurricular “Founders” Puzzle

Why do so many Harvard students start clubs, instead of joining them?

by Meena Venkataramanan

Illustration of open doors, tied to concept of commitment instead of just seeking opportunities

Open Book: the case for commitment

Pete Davis expands on his Commencement address.