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

Screenshot of the four speakers: Margaret Marshall, Tom Putnam, Danielle Allen, and Jane Mendillo.

Assessing gender and racial equality today

A discussion on progress and retreat with Danielle Allen, Margaret Marshall, and Jane Mendillo

by Lydialyle Gibson

Meena Venkataramanan (pictured right) and her friend Britney (pictured left) on the blanket at Magazine Beach.

Popping the Harvard Bubble

A senior’s last semester expands her sense of adventure and personhood.

by Meena Venkataramanan

Letters from our readers

"Shoddy," maskupmanship, American exceptionalism

Photographic portrait of Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow

The View from Mass Hall

President Bacow on the principles by which to steer the University

by Lawrence S. Bacow

On the Harvard’s academic to-do list

Balancing past obligations, the pandemic, and the future of Harvard’s core mission

A group photo of the four Harvard undergraduates, including the author, with their project adviser and two local, older mentors

Community-engaged research lessons for students via Harvard’s Mindich Program

The Undergraduate learns about making knowledge mutual.

by Che Applewhaite

An illustration of people engaging in vigorous, animated dialogue

Humanities and democratic discourse belong together

Active citizens are humanists.

by Doris Sommer

Photograph of someone wearing a Juneteenth T-shirt

The Racial Tensions That Roiled Texas

Annette Gordon-Reed on the real history of Texas, and Juneteenth

The author and her two roommates stand in the snow in front of their future home at Harvard.

Harvard seniors and freshmen share Housing Day thoughts

The College’s annual “Housing Day” dramas, conducted online.

by Meena Venkataramanan

7 Ware Street Diverging Ivies

What Ivy institutions’ diverging paths reveal