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

Portrait photograph of Harvard president Lawrence S. Bacow

The View from Mass Hall

President Bacow on speech on campus

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Letters from our readers

Acupuncture, climate change, renaming

Photograph of the Tucson, Arizona, skyline and downtown taken at sunset.

The Undergraduate balances childhood and maturity

The Undergraduate balances childhood and maturity.

by Meena Venkataramanan

A large dorm room with desk, bed, lamps, and quarantine necessities, including bottled water, masks, and sanitizing supplies.

Back to campus for senior spring under COVID

What’s changed—and what hasn’t

by Meena Venkataramanan

At Home With Harvard: Editors' Favorite Stories of 2020

Our editors choose their favorite stories from the year.

Letters from our readers

The conservative, legacies, the Electoral College

Photograph of Harvard president Lawrence S. Bacow

President Bacow on innovation in Allston

As SEAS moves to Allston, President Bacow highlights the University’s newest innovation hub.

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Painting of three pairs of worn, heavy shoes by Vincent van Gogh

The Undergraduate writes about building a more inclusive community at Harvard

Redrawing community at Harvard

by Che Applewhaite

An illustration by James Steinberg shows a heavenly hand extending down to the U.S. Capitol and attempting to influence members of Congress

Benjamin Friedman on faith and American socioeconomic policy

How faith shapes economic and social policy

Drawing of a college student seated at her desk in her bedroom at home, looking at images of friends on her computer screen. On the desk are a book and a bowl of salad, reflecting recommendations made by friends previously.

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus.

by Meena Venkataramanan