Commentary

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

Trump Administration Appeals Order Restoring $2.7 Billion in Funding to Harvard

The appeal, which had been expected, came two days before the deadline to file.

by Jonathan Shaw

Harvard final clubs debate divided faculty

The long final-clubs debate yields an uncertain path forward—and reveals fault lines in governance.

by John S. Rosenberg

Taxing university endowments

Harvard and other private universities are in Republicans’ sights.

by John S. Rosenberg

Letters from our readers

Readers comment on criminal injustices, alumni who died in Vietnam, political correctness, and more.

The view from Mass Hall

President Drew Faust describes Harvard’s efforts to evaluate how well—and what exactly—its students learn.

by Drew Gilpin Faust

An agenda-topper for Harvard's next president

Articulating a vision and refining a strategy for Harvard

The ups and downs of peer counseling

Reflections on the ups and downs of peer counseling

by Natasha Lasky

Freshman year, 10 years out

A graduate reflects on history—personal and otherwise.

by Adam Goodheart

Nuclear War in Korea? Eggs and Taxes More Urgent

Living calmly next to a rogue nuclear state

by Spencer Lee Lenfield

Harvard satirized, critiqued, aflame

A fresh source for Harvard humor, a critique embedded in a memorium, and historic photos of a famous campus fire

by Primus VI

Letters from our readers

Readers comment further on “Fair Harvard,” teaching the liberal arts, celebrity and politics, the middle class, and more.